Oct. 30, 2003
For more information contact:
Dennis Burkheimer
515-239-1355 or 515-290-2713
dennis.burkheimer@dot.state.ia.us
Winter driving tips from the Iowa DOT
AMES, Iowa – Rapidly changing weather conditions this time of year make planning ahead for winter driving a necessity. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, a little prep time before the first winter weather event can save time, money, and lives in the months to come.
Winterize your vehicle now, before winter weather threatens. To minimize the possibility of a breakdown, winterize your vehicle and get it tuned up. Check, or have a mechanic check, your wipers, hoses, battery, alternator, belts, tires, brakes, exhaust system, lights and fluid levels. Make sure your heater and defroster are in good working order.
Get your emergency survival kit and supplies prepared and in your vehicle. The survival kit should contain: blankets or sleeping bags; high energy, nonperishable food; water; flashlight and extra batteries; matches or a lighter; candles; warm gloves; small first-aid kit; hat or stocking cap; insulated footwear; and winter coat. The kit should contain enough supplies for the number of passengers in the vehicle.
Other winter travel supplies should include: snow shovel;
scraper and snow brush; sand or strips of carpet for traction;
flares/reflectors; tool kit; jumper cables; and a good spare tire, lug wrench
and jack.
As always, drivers should use basic safe driving habits at any time of year - buckling up, driving alert and sober, and operating your vehicle at a safe and legal speed. Special precautions need to be followed when winter weather causes ice or snow on Iowa roadways. When contemplating travel during a winter weather event, the DOT recommends the following.
Question the necessity of your trip.
Sometimes the best winter driving strategy is to stay home. During a
winter storm, ask yourself, “Is this trip really necessary?”
If you cannot avoid traveling, get as much information as
possible about the road conditions on the route you plan to take. Before you
leave home, call 511 or log on to 511ia.org
or iowaroadconditions.org to
check your route for road conditions. Outside Iowa or where 511 service in not
available, dial 800-288-1047 or 515-288-1047 for Iowa road conditions.
Before you leave, inform someone at your destination of
your expected arrival time and your travel route. Keep your gas tank full. Make
sure you take a wireless phone if you have one.
Once you’re on your way, the weather can change rapidly.
If you have a cell phone and are unsure about the weather ahead, pull off the
roadway in a safe place and dial 511 for current information.
Use your winter driving skills. Drive defensively and give yourself a little more time. Adjust your vehicle's speed to the conditions and increase following distances. Because of differences in pavement temperature, ice on ramps, bridges and overpasses may appear sooner than on warmer highway pavement. Also be aware of patches of pavement where shadows from trees, bridges or buildings may have allowed frost, ice or packed snow to remain unmelted.
Drive with your lights on to see and be seen. Drive well
below the posted speed limit. Do not use your vehicle’s cruise control when
snow, ice, freezing rain or sleet is on the pavement.
Be aware that snow removal equipment may be on the roadway. If you come upon a snowplow, stay a safe distance behind. Before passing a snowplow, make sure you have clear vision ahead, allow plenty of room, and watch for the plow's blade as it may extend beyond the width of the truck. Don't try to pass snowplows that are working together in tandem pulling snow from the middle of a divided highway. Remain alert - snowplows generally move slower (15-35 mph) than other traffic, and may be obscured at times by blowing snow.
If you become stranded, stay with your vehicle. Staying in your car will decrease your risk of frostbite or hypothermia, and increase your chances of being rescued. Park on the shoulder where possible and turn your emergency flashers on, hang a brightly colored distress flag on the radio antenna, or raise the hood. If you need to run the engine occasionally to keep warm, be sure to keep snow away from your exhaust pipe and open your vehicle's window a crack to reduce the risk of carbon monoxide buildup.
For more information about winter preparedness and the Iowa DOT's snow and ice control program, contact Dennis Burkheimer of the Highway Division at 515-239-1355 or 515-290-2713 or check out the DOT's Web site at www.dot.state.ia.us/maintenance/index.htm.
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