LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW, LET IT SNOW!
SLOW DOWN! Even if your vehicle is equipped with 4 Wheel Drive, SLOW DOWN. In snowy conditions, reduce your speed by at least ten (10) miles per hour. It is the driver’s responsibility to maintain control of his or her vehicle. If the steering is soft, unsure or in any way “iffy”, slow down until you can comfortably control your vehicle.
Slow down well before it is necessary to apply the brakes. Anticipate turns and hills in the terrain. Expect sudden and unexpected moves by other drivers on the road. You do not want to be in a situation requiring a sudden and unanticipated use of your vehicle’s steering, clutch, brake and accelerator controls which may initiate your vehicle’s sliding uncontrollably.
DO NOT TAILGATE! For your safety, the safety of your passengers and the safety of the other vehicles on the highway, when the pavement is snowy, follow the four (4) second rule, and allow about a football field between you and the car in front of you (100 yards). At this distance, if the vehicle in front of you abruptly stops, you should have sufficient room to stop your vehicle. At night you should maintain this distance, or a little more as the temperature drops, by simply following the taillights of the vehicle in front of you.
Not everyone cleans all of the snow off of their vehicle before driving. Sometimes, a car you are following may be covered with snow. Leave a little extra distance between you and the snow-covered vehicle. Eventually some of the snow will fly or fall off the vehicle which may surprise or scare you or damage your vehicle.
Skids ~ Sliding: Most vehicles today are with antilock brakes (ABS), traction control, and other computer assisted safety options as standard equipment which are designed to keep a vehicle on the road, in its lane and upright. It can be a frightening experience to lose control of your vehicle on slippery pavement. Carefully turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to travel. This procedure is known as "Steering into the Skid" and will eventually allow the back of your vehicle to realign with the front ending the skid and allowing you to resume control of your vehicle.
If your automobile is equipped with ABS, brake firmly and steady to engage the antilock brakes as you "Steer-Into-The-Skid."
How ABS Brakes Work: If your vehicle is equipped with antilock brakes, DO NOT pump the brakes. Pumping the brakes is old-school. Today, the computer pumps the brakes for you. If your vehicle starts to skid causing you loss of control of your automobile, engage the antilock brake system on your vehicle by pressing and holding your foot steady on the brake pedal. You may feel a vibration in the antilock brake system when you engage your ABS system. Do not be concerned, this is normal.
Press: Please, DO NOT pump the brakes, firmly hold the brake pedal. The antilock brake sensors are “Pumping the Brakes” for you because your motor vehicle lost traction. The computer pumping action, which is faster and more accurate than human pumping, is why the pedal vibrates. Holding the pedal down is the standard operating procedure for vehicles with antilock brakes. If you lift your foot off the brake pedal, the antilock system disengages.
If you are driving an older model vehicle Without Antilock Brakes and you begin to lose control your vehicle, your natural instinct may be to slam on the brakes. Unfortunately, this is the wrong choice because your wheels will lock (i.e. stop turning). When your tires are locked they will not be able to regain traction on the slippery roadway. When your vehicle begins to skid, "Steer-Into-The-Skid." If your car is sliding to the left turn the wheel gently, not abruptly, to the left. Also, begin gently pumping your brakes in an effort to gradually reduce your speed. As your vehicle begins to regain traction it will self-correct i.e., begin to drive straight.
In northern climates, if the roadway is very slick, and your car does not regain traction, your safest option may be to slide into a snow bank.
During slippery road conditions, reducing the likelihood of losing control of your vehicle is a high priority. Drivers can reduce the likelihood of losing control, sliding or skating, by driving slower and more carefully. Pay attention. Watch, Stay Alert and Stay Alive! Anticipate curves and hills. Also, be prepared for another driver to create a hazardous condition. Carole King said it best: “Anticipation”.
Breaking During a Turn Is a NO-NO: Avoid spin-outs by gradually turning the steering wheel and “Feathering” the brakes slightly BEFORE entering a curve. Coast through the turn with your foot off the brake AND off the gas. You do not want your car to gain speed in the curve and slide off the roadway. However, leaving your foot on the brake prevents your tires from turning which causes your vehicle to lose contact with the pavement and your vehicle begins to slide into the direction of the curve. Essentially your vehicle becomes an open sleigh on the way to grandma’s house. Probably not something you, your spouse or your children desire.
No Summertime Cruising: If snow begins to accumulate on the road or the pavement is snow-covered, immediately disengage your cruise control. Many drivers believe that using cruise control during snowy driving conditions is helpful because the vehicle’s computer maintains a steady speed. Unfortunately, using the vehicle’s control is counterproductive on a snow packed, slippery road. A driver, the person actually holding the steering wheel, has a better “feel” for the road and can promptly reduce speed if he or she begins to notice that the vehicle is losing contact with the pavement. If the cruise control is on and a vehicle begins to slide, the cruise control system will actually increase the speed of the wheels because the computer detects that the vehicle is losing speed.
DO NOT Overestimate Your Skills or Under Estimate a Storm: In an exceptionally heavy snowstorm, a driver’s visibility may be reduced to 100 feet or less. It is both unwise and unsafe to drive more than 30 mph in these conditions. Due to the heavy snowfall, a driver may need to stop and clean the snow from the windshield, the headlights and taillights to maintain safe operation of the vehicle.
It Is Far Better to Be Seen Than to Be Viewed: When it is snowing or there is snow on the roadway, it is wise to turn your lights on. Visibility is reduced in these conditions. In addition, the snow diminishes the contrast between the vehicles on the road and the snow-covered background. Motor vehicles simply stand out less due to the shimmer from the falling snow or the snow-covered environment. Having your lights on enhances your ability to be seen, especially when the vehicle you are driving is small.
Oh Brother Where Art Thou ~ The “Foggy” Bottom Boys! In winter weather the interior windows on a motor vehicle have a tendency to fog. Moisture in the car comes in contact with the cold glass and condenses forming fog on the inside of the windows. When entering a vehicle, each person should sit with his or her feet outside of the car to kick and knock the excess snow off every person’s shoes which will reduce the amount of potential moisture in the vehicle. Remember each person in the vehicle is a living and breathing human being. As each person breathes, he or she puts additional moisture into the air in the vehicle cabin.
When using the vehicle’s HVAC check that the air conditioner or heater setting is on fresh air, not recirculate. The recirculate feature reuses the humid air in the cabin and will keep the windows foggy. Today most vehicles have a windshield defrost setting. Your car’s defrost setting turns the AC compressor on which will dehumidifier the vehicle cabin. Since it is winter and obviously cold, the thermostat can be adjusted to the highest temperature which will keep the window warm and also warm the vehicle compartment for the occupants. Set the speed on high.
You Are Stuck ~ Now What: If your tires are stuck in the snow traction, you can use cat litter, sand, or the car’s floor mats under the tires to help gain traction. It is a good idea to also keep a shovel in the trunk so you can dig out the wheels. If the car is buried in snow, it is crucial to first make sure that the exhaust pipe is exposed. If the tailpipe is blocked by snow, it can allow dangerous carbon monoxide into your car. Carbon monoxide is a colorless and odorless gas. Carbon monoxide is a killer.
"Uh Oh" ~ Your Vehicle Is Inoperable: It’s Winter, It’s Cold, It’s Snowy, It’s Dark, Ice Crystals Are Pelting Your Car and You Are Stuck. The good news is it’s not the 1950s. You most likely have an operating cell phone. Also, your vehicle may be equipped with OnStar or another manufacturer’s satellite phone and emergency contact system. After you call for help, it is simply a matter of waiting until assistance arrives.
Remember, carbon monoxide is a killer. Therefore, before running your engine, get out of your vehicle and make sure that the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow or any other material. If your warm heavy clothes, blanket and emergency kit are in the trunk and not the back seat, now is a good time to move them into the car with you. Once an hour run your engine and heater for about ten (10) minutes. Lower a window slightly to let in fresh air.
Cold Is Krypton for Batteries: In winter weather your battery can be fifty percent (50%) less efficient. Turning on your engine will charge your battery IF the Alternator AND Battery are in Good Operating Condition.
Move It or Lose It: Do Not Simply sit in your vehicle. Move your arms and legs to keep your circulation flowing and keep yourself a little warmer. Also, put on your emergency layers of clothes and use your blanket.
To Drink or Not: If you get thirsty, DO NOT eat the snow. Snow is frozen water and will lower your body temperature. Instead, bring the snow into your car, let it melt, then drink the water.
Do’s and Don’ts:
DO clean the windshield and lights! As you drive, snow and road grime will accumulate on your windshield and lights reducing your visibility.
DO keep an ice scraper and brush in your vehicle.
DO keep a clean cloth in the car in case speak to.
Do wear Polarized sunglasses due to the glare off snow in the day.
DO to turn your headlights on, even in the daytime, when it is snowing.
DO turn on your emergency flashers, even in the daytime, during a blizzard.
DO clean the HVAC (air) intake on the outside of the vehicle at the bottom of the windshield.
DON’T even think of driving in big, chunky boots!
The attorneys at The Danda Law Firm have the experience, auto claims knowledge and litigation resources to represent you for the compensation you deserve for your injuries from your car accident during settlement negotiations as well as in court.
Plus, we are aware that you were injured and that your car has been damaged and may not be drivable. Thus, we will meet with you at home, in the hospital or the place of your choice. The Danda Law Firm is located in Metro Atlanta which allows us to conveniently serve you in Metro Atlanta or anywhere in Georgia.
The lawyers at The Danda Law Firm have been helping injured people in Atlanta and throughout Georgia recover their just financial compensation since 1979. If you, or a loved one, have been seriously injured, call our office at 770.938.0977 or 800.983.8720.
David Danda ? 2017
David Danda*
David E. Danda, PC
3579A Chamblee Tucker Road
#941334
Atlanta GA 31141-0334
770.938.0977
770.939.6538 (fax)
www.daviddanda.com web site
Licensed in Georgia and Louisiana
*Accredited, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs