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Michigan NETS Winter Driving Safety Tips
Michigan NETS Winter Driving Safety Tips

Winter driving season has arrived. Its amazing how many motorists have
forgotten their winter driving skills during the short summer months. The fact is many crashes
occur when motorists do not anticipate the road surface conditions.

Many people get into trouble by assuming the roads will not be slippery unless the temperature is
freezing or below. Ice can form on road surfaces any time the air temperature drops to 40
o

degrees or less and especially in windy conditions. Bridges and underpasses can be especially
hazardous, as the ability of moisture to dissipate from the roadway is different, along with varying
surface angles. Low or shaded areas and areas surrounded by landscaping can also contribute
too less than ideal road condition issues.

Intersections are also areas that although appear to be clear or only slightly wet are often ice-
covered and slippery. This is caused by moisture emitting from the exhaust of cars waiting at the
intersection, which then quickly freezes on the pavement. It is also recommended that motorists
allow no less than a car-length in front of their vehicle when stopped behind other vehicles at
intersections. They should also watch their rear-view mirrors for cars approaching too fast from
behind. Often this extra margin of safety will allow drivers to pull forward in the event that an
approaching vehicle begins to slide.

DRIVING TIPS
If you do find yourself beginning to slide on snow or ice, DONT PANIC.
Take your foot off the gas and DO NOT hit the brakes.
If your vehicle begins to skid, (do not brake) and steer the vehicle in
the direction you wish to go.
This technique is used in both front- and rear-wheel drive vehicles.
If you must use the brakes, in ABS-equipped vehicles, use a firm, steady pressure WITHOUT
pumping.
If your car is not equipped with ABS, gently pump the brake pedal without locking up the
brakes

Four-wheel-drive enthusiasts are reminded that although a four-wheel drive vehicle provides
some additional traction in non-ideal weather conditions, drivers of these vehicles should take the
same precautions as if they were driving in a non-four-wheel vehicle.

VEHICLE MAINTENANCE
Just as important as good driving skills, however, is preventative vehicle maintenance. Motorists
need to make sure their vehicle is in good mechanical condition as weather conditions can cause
unwanted vehicle issues.
Make sure antifreeze is at the proper level
Install new wiper blades and fill the washer reservoir
Keep an extra bottle of washer solvent in the vehicle
Make sure your battery terminals are clean and if the battery
is more
than three years old, have it tested by a qualified technician
Check your tire treads. Dont assume your tires will make it another winter. Heres a good tip,
take a penny and stick it into the tread (head first), if you can see Lincolns head, its time to
invest in new tires. You should also check your tires air pressure monthly using an accurate
pressure gauge. The correct PSI for your tires is located on your vehicles tire information
label, usually found on the technical information sheet located on the inside of your drivers
side door. You must open the door to view this information. Or look in your owners manual.
At the very least, get your tires checked at a reputable tire dealer.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES
Unexpected events can and do happen. By having an emergency kit prepared ahead of time and
in your vehicle, you can increase your chances of arriving at your destination safely. Items in your
emergency kit should include but are not limited to:
Warm clothing, boots, stocking cap, gloves or mittens
Flashlight with fresh batteries and flares
Small shovel, sand or kitty litter
Blankets
Fresh first-aid supplies
Drinking water, candy bars or other nutritious snacks
Small candles and matches to light them with. A single lit candle can provide warmth for four
hours.
A charged cell phone or other communication device

Frozen car locks can also be a real safety issue. Carefully heating the end of a key with a match
or a lighter will work most of the time. A squirt of de-icer spray that you can purchase at most gas
stations and store it in your glove box is another quick method.

HOW DO I JUMP START MY BATTERY?
Safety Tips
-
Batteries contain explosive gases. Don't strike a light while jumpstarting a car and don't
try to jumpstart a damaged battery. Do not jumpstart a battery that is frozen.
-
Batteries contain sulfuric acid. If any gets on your skin or in your eyes, flush with water
and get medical help immediately. We recommend that you wear eye protection, such as
ANSI* approved safety glasses or goggles or a face shield.
-
Never lean over the battery when making a connection or disconnection.


Before you begin, you'll need...
-
A set of jumper cables
-
A vehicle with a good battery that is the same voltage as yours
-
To know the difference between the negative and positive battery terminals and the
negative and positive clamps of the jumper cables. Positive is indicated by a (+) sign, the
words "POS" and the color red; negative is marked by a (-) sign, the words "NEG" and
the color black. The colors may vary but are red (+) and black (-) in most instances.
Jumpstarting
-
Pull the cars next to each so they're not touching and turn off both ignitions.
-
Connect the positive clamp of the jumper cable to the dead battery's positive terminal.
-
Connect the other positive clamp of the cable to the positive terminal of the battery in the
starting vehicle.
-
Connect the negative clamp of the cable to the negative terminal of the battery in the
starting vehicle.
-
Connect the other negative clamp of the cable to the vehicle's engine block, or other
metal surface of the car--away from the battery. This metal surface is exclusive of the
carburetor or tubing on the car with the discharged battery. This serves as your ground or
connection point.
-
Make certain all cables are clear of fan blades, belts and other moving parts of both
engines and that everyone is standing away from the vehicles. Start the car of the battery
providing the jump start; then try to start the car with the dead battery.
-
If the car starts, allow the engine to return to idle speed, then remove the cables in the
reverse order that you put them on.
-
Remove the negative clamp on the ground of the car that needed the jump
-
Remove the negative clamp on the assisting vehicle
-
Remove the positive clamp from the assisting vehicle
-
Remove the positive clamp from the formerly stalled vehicle
-
If the car doesn't start, wait a few moments and try again. If it still doesn't start, you
probably need a new battery.
* ANSI American National Standards Institute


Other basic safety tips for winter driving include:
Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
Slow down and be alert for other vehicles around you.
Allow extra space between you and other vehicles.
Always wear your safety belt and ensure others in your vehicle are properly restrained.
If you drink, do so responsibly and always hand the keys over to a designated driver. Even
one drink can impair your driving.
During inclement weather, make sure to let others know your route of travel, and expected
arrival time.
Cell phones are a great safety insurance against breakdowns and getting stranded.
Stay alert and on longer trips ensure you take needed breaks.
Watch for road signs, landmarks and construction zones.
Never start a vehicle in a closed garage or idle your engine with the windows closed. Carbon
monoxide, which is present in exhaust fumes, is almost impossible to detect and can be fatal.