Smart Winter Driving Tips

A few reminders and tips from the Old Saybrook Fire Department:

As snow, sleet and below-freezing temperatures continue into this week, the Old Saybrook Fire Department (OSFD) reminds all motorists to be prepared as they travel local roads and highways.

One of the best ways to be ready as temperatures go below freezing is to ensure that your car is winterized and in top operating condition. Keep the gas tank full, top off windshield washer fluid, and check the windshield wiper blades, tires and all lights to make sure they are in working order.

Clean snow and ice from all car windows, hood and roof before starting to drive, (state law). A snow brush, ice scraper and gloves are a wise investment.

Visibility is not only a good safety idea but also state law. Clean snow from headlamps, brake and taillights (remember to use your headlights with wipers, again state law).

Travel on main routes. The most traveled roadways are usually cleared and sanded first. A short-cut down a back road might not save you any time if the road hasn't been plowed. Also, if help is required, main roads are usually the best patrolled.

Always assume road conditions are worse than they are and allow additional travel time. Drive cautiously and courteously.

Motorists should always check the latest local forecasts (at home, tune to your local Patch site, TV news and weather channels, and in the car to radio stations that provide regular weather bulletins and reports on road conditions before starting a journey).

During a snow, sleet or freezing rain event, reducing speed and expanding distances between vehicles is an absolute necessity for safe driving.

Most important, slow down and keep a much greater distance from the vehicle in front of you

Always carry a fully-charged cell phone to use in case of an emergency. A cell phone is a vital component of any winter safety kit, along with a warm blanket, extra clothes, shovel, flares and first aid kit. Also, non-perishable food such as canned nuts, dried fruit and hard candy and a box of tissues should be kept on hand. Drivers and their passengers should dress for outdoor conditions in layers.

“We strongly recommend that motorists stay prepared as they take to the highways this winter. As the temperatures stay below freezing, it is more important than ever that all drivers plan for every trip they make – whether a 10-minute drive to the mall or a 60-mile drive to visit a relative,” says Max Sabrin, Fire Policeman, OSFD.

If you should become stranded in your vehicle in winter weather, stay with your vehicle and do not try to walk to safety. Call 911 from your cell phone for help. Run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour for heat. Open a window slightly for fresh air and make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.