Safe Driving in a Whiteout Snow Storm

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Winter storms bring about driving conditions that
are important to be aware of and take seriously.
It is important to watch or read the news to make
sure youre prepared for the weather that lies
ahead. The preparations required to remain safe
start well before the season begins and even
extend into how well you know your own car.
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• There are many precautions and preparations you
  can take before the winter season to ensure
  youre ready for the months ahead
• Check for a strong battery because freezing
  conditions weaken the battery by 35.
• Check for weather appropriate, non-worn tires.
• Check windshield wipers, washer fluid,
  antifreeze, and defrosters.

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• Ultimately, make sure you really know your
  vehicle inside and out so you know how to respond
  to road conditions. A common example involves
  understanding your brake system. Drivers with
  antilock braking systems should not pump the
  brake when stopping, whereas those without an
  antilock system should gently pump breaks to
  avoid a wheel lock up.

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• Wind is an incredible threat during a winter
  storm. Wind-driven snow causes whiteout
  conditions that can reduce visibility so
  drastically that you arent able to see motorists
  directly in front of you. When driving in
  whiteout conditions, you should slow down to a
  considerably slow speed or pull over until
  conditions improve or the storm ends.

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In addition to whiteout conditions, wind-driven
snow can cause snowdrifts. Depending on the size,
a snowdrift can close roads. If driving at a
normal speed and you plow through a snowdrift, it
is possible to lose control of your vehicle.
Slowing down significantly reduces the risk of
losing control.
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• The most dangerous of the winter storms is a
  blizzard. The elements involved can create near
  zero visibility, deep drifts, and severe wind
  chill factors. In blizzard conditions, you should
  not travel. If youre already out when a blizzard
  hits, you should pull over to a safe area and
  seek shelter immediately.

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• Black Ice
• When the temperature is just above freezing, a
  thin layer of ice that may not be visible can
  cover the road, making it extremely slippery. You
  know black ice is potentially present when ice
  forms on your windshield or mirrors, or when the
  wet mist that would normally kick up under other
  cars while driving disappears. Stopping distances
  can more than double on ice so its important to
  drive carefully.

Freeze Back When warmer temperatures melt the ice
that covers the roads and the residual water runs
across roadways, cooler temperatures at night and
in the morning can freeze the water again. This
frozen layer of ice is extremely slippery and can
cause sliding or loss of control.
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An often forgotten safety precaution is making
sure you are on the lookout for deer and other
animals that may be crossing the road. In a
whiteout storm, visibility is severely limited,
making it all the more likely you wont see the
deer. Its a natural human reaction to try to
swerve in order to avoid a collision, but this is
actually one of the most dangerous things that
you can do. Since you will already be driving
slowly in the storm conditions, it is best to
slow even further, honk the horn, and duck low
behind the dashboard. Ultimately, you should hit
the deer at this slower speed rather than
swerving.
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NTSI is a recognized leader in traffic safety
education with an innovative approach to driving
safety. NTSI stresses personal accountability
with an interactive curriculum based upon
behavioral modification principles. NTSI believes
drivers understand the importance of following
safety standards and stresses personal choice as
a means of effecting a positive change in driving
behavior. Website www.ntsi.com