Here in North America, specifically here on the East Coast near Philadelphia we are expecting a slippery winter ahead of us.
Safe driving is important not only for your safety but also for your passengers & other people on the road. Read our tips and tricks for safe driving here. PRP has provided our customers with some safe driving tips to tackle the cold and sometimes unsafe conditions that happen on the roads. Safe driving doesn’t only save your car from unnecessary harm but also could save your life.
- If your car is in a garage, never warm up your vehicle if the garage door is closed. The exhaust needs proper ventilation.
- Keep your gas tank at MINIMUM half full – doing so will help avoid the risk of a gas line freeze-up.
- Do not try to walk away from your car if you become stuck in severe weather. Your car provides shelter and protection from the elements and when help arrives it will be easier for them to locate you.
- Make sure your exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud at all times.
- Take time when speeding up or slowing down in the snow.
- You should always keep 8 to 10 seconds between you and the car in front of you.
- Don’t stop while going up a hill in bad conditions. Gain inertia before attempting to climb the hill.
- Keep your headlights clear of snow and ice, as visibility is very important in avoiding crashes.
- Always get your car serviced before the winter season to ensure you are running a top of the line vehicle.
- Keep items in your vehicle like a snow shovel or a broom, jumper cables and a flashlight and think about a first aid kit as well.
- If you are going a long distance, be sure to plan in advance. Check the weather on your route and be sure to not rush.
- Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in the snow or a traffic jam it is important for you to be prepared.
- Like always, avoid risky driving behaviors. Do not text, stay alert, follow all posted rules and most importantly: drive sober.
- Always remember that just because you have four-wheel drive it doesn’t mean that you are invincible.
- Be sure to follow the car in front of you at a safe distance. Be sure to pay attention to see if they begin to brake.
- If you find that your car is beginning to slip – DO NOT slam on the brakes. It takes away your ability to control your vehicle. Brake with steady, even pressure at all times.
- Always remember – it takes FOUR to TEN times LONGER to brake in snowy or icy pavement than it does on dry pavement.
