Winter Driving In Alaska

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Winter is here

• Everything is different
• The way your car works and operates
• Roads are treacherous
• Daylight is minimal
• Weather is throwing snowballs left and right
• Drivers are in a hurry or either dont worry
  about roads and there conditions, some become
  tense and nervous.

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Pay attention and adjust your speed

• People involved in motor vehicle accidents
  frequently say that road or weather conditions
  are the cause of the accident.
• They are not causes of accidents they are only
  contributing factors.
• The cause is the operators failure to adjust
  their driving to the dangerous conditions.

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Prepare

• Winter driving in Alaska is hazardous but with
  proper vehicle preparation driver information and
  driving skills the chances of making a trip
  safely are greatly increased.
• Remember a courteous driver is a smart driver.

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Never Drink and Drive

• Alcohol related injuries are an epidemic in
  Alaska.
• Motor vehicle fatalities are heavily impacted by
  alcohol use. (More than 50 of deaths in motor
  vehicle accidents involved alcohol)

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Maintenance

• Keeping your car tuned so it can run efficiently.
  This will reduce chances of breaking down on side
  of road.
• The battery- cold weather makes vehicles harder
  to start. Always keep the battery and terminals
  clean to insure good connections.
• Keep battery fully charged, recharge or replace
  when necessary.

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• Check condition of ignition wires and check
  distributor cap for cracks.
• Heating and cooling system
• Have the anti freeze in the radiator checked,
  check for cracks and leaks in hoses and have them
  replaced before you add antifreeze.
• Make sure your putting off enough heat from
  heater, to make sure car can keep good visibility
  and not freeze over.
• Check intake vents for any debris or other matter
  that can cause blockage.

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• Exhaust System
• Be sure to have the entire exhaust system
  checked for leaks. Carbon monoxide is a killer
  and even a small leak in the system can cause
  serious complications.
• Windshield Wipers and Washers
• Visibility is everything, replace blades that
  streak and keep windshield washer reservoir
  filled with washer fluid meant for sub zero
  temperatures.

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• Tires
• Regular tires should have a good tread for the
  bite needed when driving on snow and ice. To
  improve braking and handling use snow tires ,
  studded snow tires, or chains.
• Note that studs can only be used from September
  15-May 1.
• Brakes and suspension
• At least every fall have your brakes checked and
  adjusted. Suspension problems can cause handling
  and braking problems.

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• Lights
• Make sure headlights, tail lights, brake lights
  and all warning lights are operational.
• Seatbelts
• Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing one
  and is in full operation.

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Emergency Kit

• Flashlight with new batteries every 6 months
• Snowbrush
• Tire Chains
• Work Gloves
• Small Shovel
• Sand Bag
• Cold weather clothes
• Jumper Cables
• Non Perishable food
• Tow Strap
• Ice Scraper
• Flares or Highway Warning Kit
• First Aid Kit
• Candles and Matches

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Get Set Then Go

• Be sure to drive with your headlights on at all
  times.
• Totally clear all windows, the hood and trunk and
  roof of the car of snow and ice before driving.
• Many people fail to totally clear off the roof
  area. Just the movement of the car and stops can
  cause snow to slide into the windshield or rear
  window limiting driver vision.

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Plug it in Plug it in

• If you cant park in a cozy garage, plug your
  vehicle in. It has less wear and tear when engine
  is warm. It also produces fewer pollutants. Give
  your engine a warm up period.
• DONT WARM CAR IN GARAGE!

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Driving on Snow and Ice

• Start out slow, be careful not to spin your tires
• Test your brakes at slow speed to see how slick
  roads are. Be sure there are no vehicles behind
  you.
• Be aware of ice patches in shaded areas, curves
  and bridges. Intersections are almost always icy.
  
• Slow down approaching intersections and stops.

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Watch for hidden objects

• Remember snow banks often hide danger.
• Watch for stalled vehicles, hidden driveways,
  pedestrians and animals.

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Travel at a safe following distance

• Stay back at least two car lengths for every
  10MPH of speed. In winter use the 4 second rule
  instead of the 2 second rule. (When the car ahead
  of yours passes a fixed object begin counting) if
  your car gets to fixed object before 4 you are to
  close.

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Brake Carefully

• Brake only when traveling in a straight line.
• When applying breaks do so gently and release
  just before the brakes lock if you do not have
  anti lock brakes. Repeat as necessary to stop.
• With anti lock brakes apply and hold the brake
  until you stop. Do not let up when the brakes
  start chattering this is normal and is caused
  by automatic pumping of the brakes to keep the
  vehicle from skidding.

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Icy Hills

• When driving up hills, do not slow down or you
  will lose momentum.
• When driving down hills, use low gear, not the
  brakes.
• If you lose control of you vehicle head into a
  snow bank.
• Down shift before going down the hill to avoid
  losing control of vehicle.

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Basic Skid Rules

• Make no rapid or sudden movements until you have
  complete control of the car. Never slam on the
  brakes.
• Rear wheel- remove food from gas do not apply
  brakes and gently turn the steering wheel in the
  direction of the skid
• Front wheel- gently turn the steering wheel in
  the direction of the skid and slowly press down
  on the gas pedal
• Once recovered from skid resume normal driving
  patterns

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When you get stuck dont panic

• There may be times your car becomes stuck heres
  a few tips
• Clear a path- Shovel out the snow from both in
  front and behind each wheel and well as from
  under the car.
• Use a higher gear so the wheels spin less
• Rock and roll
• Once you got your car out dont stop

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Always Be Safe!

• Never drink and drive
• Always wear your seatbelt
• Always drive with your headlights on
• Always be prepared!