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Safe driving in San Antonio?s Artic Blast

By Beth Janicek

Weather forecasters say that the San Antonio area will experience several hard freezes by Thursday, or maybe even as early as Wednesday night. The weather service said that the artic front could send temperatures into the low 20's, and frigid overnight conditions are likely to persist through Sunday. A special weather statement from the national Weather Service said,

'Temperatures will likely be colder for several days than any cold snaps of the past few winters.'

The front also brings a slight chance of rain mixed with freezing rain, sleet or snow in the Hill Country, and in south and central Texas.

People from central Texas are not used to driving in icy or snowy conditions, it is important to think about safe winter driving. An article by Bret Hanna in the winter 09 edition of Injury Board magazine suggested some simple safe winter driving guidelines:

• 'Before You Go' - Pay attention to weather forecasts. If bad weather is predicted do not drive unless you must. If at all possible drive during daylight hours.
• 'Focus on Your Vehicle' - Check your wiper blades and replace them if they do not function properly. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition and that your tires are properly inflated.
• 'Focus on Your Driving' - Slow down and leave yourself plenty of room to stop – at least nine car lengths between you and the vehicle in front of you. Do not lock up the brakes, and ease off the brakes if they do lock up. Avoid using cruise control on snowy ice roads, and make sure you keep an eye out for ice areas like bridges and overpasses.
• 'When You Have Problems' - If your rear wheels start to skid, take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go. If your rear wheels then start sliding the other way as you recover, slowly turn the steering wheel toward that side. It may take some back and forth to get your vehicle completely under control. Standard brakes should be pumped gently if you are sliding, but do not pump anti-lock brakes (ABS). If your front wheels start to skid, put your car in neutral and take your foot off the gas. Hold the steering wheel loosely and let the tires skid and slow you down until you regain traction. When you feel traction, slowly steer in the direction you want to go. If you get stuck, avoid hitting the gas. You will only make the problem worse. Try to remove the snow and ice from all wheels using a small shovel. Once you have traction go light on the gas to see if you can ease the car out.

This morning the Today show also had a good story on how to drive safely in winter driving conditions.

Remember to pay attention to the updates in the weather forecast and in the case of snow or ice follow these safe driving guidelines.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Beth Janicek

Full post as published by San Antonio Personal Injury Lawyer on January 06, 2010 (boomark / email).