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Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

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http://ntsi.com/ | Safety should not be taken lightly when facing winter conditions, and precautions should be taken prior to the start of the winter season. Some dangers are visible, such as sleet, snow, and blizzard conditions, while other dangers are not, such as black ice or freeze back. Remain accountable for your driving behavior by driving slowly or pulling over at the first possible opportunity to avoid dangerous conditions.

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Page 1: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm
Page 2: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

Winter storms bring about driving conditions that are important to be aware of and take seriously. It is important to watch or read the news to make sure you’re prepared for the weather that lies ahead. The preparations required to remain safe start well before the

season begins and even extend into how well you know your own car.

Page 3: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

There are many precautions and preparations you can take before the winter season to ensure you’re ready for the months ahead:

• Check for a strong battery because freezing conditions weaken the battery by 35%.

• Check for weather appropriate, non-worn tires.

• Check windshield wipers, washer fluid, antifreeze, and defrosters.

Page 4: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

Ultimately, make sure you really know your vehicle inside and out so you know how to respond to road conditions. A common example involves understanding your brake system. Drivers with antilock braking systems should not pump the brake when stopping, whereas those without an antilock system should gently pump breaks to avoid a wheel lock up.

Page 5: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

Wind is an incredible threat during a winter storm. Wind-driven snow causes whiteout conditions that can reduce visibility so drastically that you aren’t able to see motorists directly in front of you. When driving in whiteout conditions, you should slow down to a considerably slow speed or pull over until conditions improve or the storm ends.

Page 6: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

In addition to whiteout conditions, wind-driven snow can cause snowdrifts. Depending on the size, a snowdrift can close roads. If driving at a

normal speed and you plow through a snowdrift, it is possible to lose control of your vehicle. Slowing down significantly reduces the risk of losing control.

Page 7: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

The most dangerous of the winter storms is a blizzard. The elements involved can create near zero visibility, deep drifts, and severe wind chill factors. In blizzard conditions, you should not travel. If you’re already out when a blizzard hits, you should pull over to a safe area and seek shelter immediately.

Page 8: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

Black Ice

When the temperature is just above freezing, a thin layer of ice that may not be visible can cover the road, making it extremely slippery. You know black ice is potentially present when ice forms on your windshield or mirrors, or when the wet mist that would normally kick up under other cars while driving disappears. Stopping distances can more than double on ice so it’s important to drive carefully.

Freeze Back

When warmer temperatures melt the

ice that covers the roads and the residual water runs across roadways, cooler temperatures at night and in the morning can freeze the water again. This frozen layer of ice is extremely slippery and can cause sliding or loss of control.

Page 9: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

An often forgotten safety precaution is making sure you are on the lookout for deer and other animals that may be crossing the road. In a

whiteout storm, visibility is severely limited, making it all the more likely you won’t see the deer. It’s a natural human reaction to try to swerve in order to avoid a collision, but this is actually one of the most dangerous things that you can do. Since you will already be driving slowly in the storm conditions, it is best to slow even further, honk the

horn, and duck low behind the dashboard. Ultimately, you should hit the deer at this slower speed rather than swerving.

Page 10: Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

NTSI is a recognized leader in traffic safety education with an innovative approach to driving safety. NTSI stresses personal accountability with an interactive curriculum

based upon behavioral modification principles. NTSI believes drivers understand the importance of following safety standards and stresses personal choice as a means of effecting a positive change in driving behavior.

Website: www.ntsi.com