News Release

Winter driving tips from the Iowa DOT

AMES, Iowa – The blustery fall days have already begun to look suspiciously like winter in northwest Iowa . Iowa weather conditions can change rapidly making planning ahead for winter driving a necessity. According to the Iowa Department of Transportation (Iowa DOT), 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 vehicle's 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. Basic survival kits should be placed in each vehicle. It might seem like a lot of stuff, but in the event you're stranded during a winter storm these items could mean the difference between life and death. The kit should contain a blanket or sleeping bag; 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 a 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, including reducing your speed for conditions.

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.iowa.gov/maintenance/internetpages/winteroperations/winteropsindex.htm.

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