Take precautions in Oklahoma's winter weather

Winter weather for Oklahoma has come early this year.

Long-range weather forecasts indicate unit members may be driving on snow and icy roads more than usual. As temperatures drop, drivers may encounter road and weather conditions needing their prudence, patience, and preparation.
 

The key to winter driving is cautious confidence. You have to ask yourself how you feel about taking on icy and snowy road conditions. If the answer is you're thrilled or frightened, you probably should not venture out.

Having confidence begins with knowing your car is mechanically sound.

Besides vehicle maintenance, store a winter driving kit in your car's trunk. This kit should contain tools and accessories needed should cold weather mishaps occur. Include a small snow shovel, warning flares or a triangle, flashlights and jumper cables, snow brush, ice scraper, a blanket for warmth, and a bag of cat litter for traction.

It's a good idea to always keep a full tank of gas in the car. If you're stranded you may need to run your engine for heat.

Just getting out of the driveway can be a chore for many winter drivers. Clearing paths behind your car's drive wheels and spreading cat litter in those paths will help provide traction and build momentum to drive through snow-covered areas.

If necessary, rock your vehicle back and forth until you start moving, but avoid spinning wheels to escape heavy snow. It only digs you deeper.

You must be able to see and to be seen, and that means making sure your windows, mirrors, and lights are clear of snow. With heavy snowfall, drivers need to remove snow from car hoods, roofs, and trunks. This prevents snow accumulations
from flying off as you drive, To make yourself visible, travel with the lights on, especially in inclement weather.

Once on the road, always keep road conditions in mind. Highways may appear clear, but could have icy layers that affect stopping and steering. Keep an 8-second interval between you and the car in front. While driving, train your eyes farther down the road than normal. This will allow you to anticipate changes and adjust your course gradually.

Controlling steering and acceleration are important under winter conditions. By using gentle pressure on the gas and precise steering movements, most drivers can retain road traction and avoid skids. However, if a skid does occur here are the most effective ways to regain control: Don't panic.

Be prepared for a rear-wheel skid in the opposite direction for rear-wheel drive vehicles if you overcorrect at first. Engage the gear once the vehicle is straight, apply gentle pressure to the accelerator, and resume course. Brakes also affect the way you come
out of a skid. Regular brakes provide the best grip just before they lock up. Push the brakes until they are about to lock up, then release and repeat. This also alerts other drivers that you're slowing down.

However, this braking process does not work with antilock brakes. Apply
gradual pressure as in conventional braking, but don't pump because it
works against the anti-lock system.

Finally, know the conditions before you go. Fog is quite common this time of year. On Dec. 15th, a fog bank rolled into the city area, and visibility got as low as 350 feet.

The best advice in fog:

Finally, know the conditions before you go. Drivers should assess road and weather conditions and plot their journeys before heading out by listening to radio or television newscasts.