119 Driver Safety

Rough Road Safety

There are things you can do to avoid vehicle crashes while driving in hazardous road conditions.

• Slow down: If you drive fast, you may not react fast enough when facing certain maintenance problems or conditions on a rough road. If you slow down, you'll also be more successful at avoiding potholes, rocks, and downed tree limbs.
• Use the safe lane: On roads, especially busy highways, lanes that are used most by trucks and vehicles using studded tires create ruts that cause puddles. It's safer to use the lane that has been traveled less to avoid "hydroplaning" across the standing water in puddled areas. Hydroplaning happens when your tires encounter more water than they can scatter, so they lose contact with the road and skid along the water's surface.

Winter Driving Safety

The two best defensive driving techniques to use while driving on snow is to, of course, slow down. However, be careful you don't go too slow or suddenly stop, which might cause a rear-end collision. The next most important thing to do is to allow ample space between you and the vehicle in front of you.

The "Four P's" of safe winter driving are: Prepare, Practice, Protect, and Prevent. Click on the buttons to learn more about the 4 P's of winter driving.

Prepare for the trip.

• Maintain Your Car: Employers should ensure properly trained workers inspect vehicle systems to ensure they are working properly:
• Brakes: Brakes should provide even and balanced braking. Check that brake fluid is at the proper level.
• Cooling System: Ensure a proper mixture of 50/50 antifreeze and water in the cooling system at the proper level.
• Electrical System: Check the ignition system, battery, and alternator belt.
• Engine: Inspect all engine systems. Check the oil level.
• Fuel: Fill up frequently. Keep at least a half-tank of fuel.
• Tires: Use snow tires. Check for proper tire inflation.
• Visibility Systems: Inspect all exterior lights, defrosters (windshield and rear window), and wipers.
• Have On Hand: flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material, shovel, snow brush and ice scraper, warning devices, and blankets. For long trips, add food and water, medication, and cell phone.
• Plan Your Route: Allow plenty of time. Check the weather and leave early. Let others know your route and arrival time.

Practice cold weather driving.

• During the daylight, rehearse maneuvers slowly on ice or snow
• Steer into a skid
• Know your brakes: stomp on antilock brakes or pump non-antilock brakes
• Remember, stopping distances are longer
• Don't idle for a long time with the windows up

Protect yourself.

• Buckle up and use child safety seats properly
• Never place a rear-facing infant seat in front of an airbag
• Children 12 and under are much safer in the back seat

Prevent crashes.

• Put your lights on when driving to be visible
• Use low beams when driving in fog
• Slow down and watch for ice in shady areas, on bridges, and below overpasses
• Slow down and increase distances between cars
• Keep your eyes open for pedestrians walking in the road
• Stop at least every three hours, and rotate drivers
• Don't drink. Everyone needs to be sober.

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