2/10/2009
Reed Hollinshead
ITD Communication
208-334-8881
reed.hollinshead@itd.idaho.gov
Motorists should use caution when driving in winter conditions
BOISE - The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Treasure Valley for Wednesday (Feb. 11) morning - expecting 1 to 3 inches of snow - which serves as a good reminder for motorists to prepare and drive appropriately for winter travel conditions.
Snow, blowing and drifting snow, winds, poor visibility and ice can make winter driving difficult. The Idaho Transportation Department reminds drivers to use extra caution when traveling.
Although the Southwest region of Idaho hasn't experienced typical winter travel conditions over the past month, the National Weather Service is predicting that "snow will spread eastward across the Treasure Valley in the pre-dawn hours Wednesday...and continue through Wednesday morning...roads will become snow covered and slippery and will cause problems for the morning commuting period."
Before the storm hits, ITD will use anti-icers to prevent a hard bond of ice to the pavement surface. Anti-icing also reduces snow buildup and speeds snow and ice breakup after the storm.
Once the storm hits, ITD will deploy snowplows, de-icing trucks with magnesium chloride and trucks that deposit a sand and salt mix to the roadway.
"Motorists should expect some icy conditions on the morning commute," said ITD District Maintenance Manager Dan Bryant. "When it hasn't stormed for a while, people forget how to drive in winter conditions."Here are a few additional tips for safe winter driving:
Try to avoid driving until snowplows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work. Don't pass those vehicles. Drivers of snowplows, sanding trucks and de-icing trucks are professional drivers and are experienced in battling winter roads, but they can be limited by reduced visibility and greater stopping distances.
Allow extra time to reach destinations. If you must drive in the snow, make sure you and your car are prepared for cold weather and that you know how to handle road conditions.
Driving safely on icy roads begins by decreasing speed and leaving plenty of room to stop. Allow at least three times more distance than usual between you and the car in front of you. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. Never use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads. Don't assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
Be careful on bridges, overpasses, and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
It may be helpful to practice winter driving techniques in a snowy, open parking lot so you're familiar with how your car handles.
If your rear wheels skid, take your foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. You may have to steer left and right a few times to regain complete control of the vehicle.
Gently pump standard brakes, however, apply steady pressure to anti-lock (ABS) brakes. It is normal for anti-lock brakes to pulse.
During a front-wheel skid, take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral but don't try to steer immediately. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction should return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in drive or release the clutch and accelerate gently.
If you end up stuck, avoid spinning your wheels because this will only dig you in deeper. Turn vehicle wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. Use light acceleration to ease your vehicle out.
Use a shovel or hubcap to clear snow away from the wheels and underside of the vehicle then pour sand, cat litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels to help get traction.
Try rocking the vehicle by shifting from forward to reverse and back again. Each time your car is in gear, try adding a bit of gas until the vehicle gets going. Check your owner's manual first. This can damage the transmission on some vehicles.
Do not leave a stranded car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to find help, and you are certain you will improve your situation. Light flares a safe distance away from the vehicle or hang a brightly colored cloth from the antenna to attract attention.
If the vehicles exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank. Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut. Protect yourself from frostbite or hypothermia by using woolen items and blankets to keep warm.
Finally, before embarking on an extended trip let someone know where you are going, the route you plan to take and when you expect to arrive. Remember to check Idaho's 511 Traveler Services Web site (511.idaho.gov) or dial 511 for the latest information on highway and weather conditions.