Expert Travel Tips for Extreme Weather

With winter officially here, America’s Road Team Captains, chosen by the > American Trucking Associations, have come together with advice on dealing with the inclement weather and road conditions that it brings. With nearly 84 million people already traveling or preparing to travel this season, here are a few tips from million mile accident free drivers.

Avoid extreme weather: No better way to avoid an accident than to just not risk the drive. If you must travel though, do so during daylight.

Remove ice and snow: It’s difficult enough at times to see what is going on behind us and on the sides. Why create that extra blind spot with a big pile of snow on the trunk? Not to mention the mess it could cause when it flies off at the driver behind you and he or she panics.

Pay attention to the vehicle in front of you: Giving a little extra space between you and the driver ahead can give you that little extra time to avoid a patch of ice or clear that snow and ice from the windshield before causing an accident.

Emergency kit: Should the unthinkable happen and you end up stranded, make sure you’re carrying a kit with supplies such as: a battery powered radio, flashlight, blanket, non-perishable foods, jumper cables, first aid kit, fire extinguisher, bottled water, maps, tire repair kit and flares.

Trucks and their blind spots: If you can’t see a semi-trucks mirrors, then the driver most definitely cannot see you. Also bear in mind, trucks are much heavier and take a much longer time to stop. Please avoid cutting quickly in front of them.

SLOW DOWN: With snow comes ice and whether snow or ice, it is slick on the roads once temperatures drop. Slowing down a little may mean the difference between a safe stop and a multi-car pileup.

Buckle Up: Seatbelts have been proven to reduce the risk of fatal injuries by 45 percent. It’s the simplest and easiest thing you can do, whether driving in summer or winter, to reduce your risk and increase your safety on the roads.

“Snow and ice can make highway travel challenging,” said America’s Road Team Captain Brooks Washburn “Remember to buckle up, stay alert and drive slowly to help make the roads safe for you and your fellow motorists. And if you don’t need to be on the road, stay home and wait for better conditions.”

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