Winter Driving Safety Tips

I admit, I drive in 'summer mode'. I need to switch to 'winter mode'. With the snow, some people may drive into the ditch. Worse yet, they may drive off of a road where their car can not be seen. It's always good to have 'winter car supplies'.
Not only should you keep your vehicle in top operating condition all year round - for safety and fuel economy, it is especially important to get it winterized to avoid any unpleasant or dangerous situation while traveling in frigid weather.

Check the following:

Ignition system
Fuel system
Belts
Fluid levels
Brakes
Exhaust system
Wiper blades and windshield washer fluid
Snow tires
Tire tread and pressure
Defroster
Proper grade oil
Cooling system
Battery
Lights
Antifreeze
Always fill the gasoline tank before a long trip or even for a short distance. Stop to fill-up long before the tank begins to run low. Keeping your tank as full as possible will minimize condensation, providing the maximum advantage in case of trouble.

A cellular phone can be very useful to you or another stranded motorist in case of an emergency. Make sure it's fully charged.

Other great tips include:
Clear all windows and lights of frost and snow.
Drive with your headlights on.
Stock your car with basic winter driving equipment: A scraper and brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction.
Also include road flares, a blanket, heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlight with batteries.

Winter car supplies
Keep winter car supplies that can assist you in case of an emergency. You easily can equip your vehicle with essential gear for winter. Here's what you'll need:

-Booster cables
-Two or more blankets
-Snow shovel and scraper
-Flashlight and extra batteries
-Extra clothing: cap, mittens, parka and overshoes or boots in case you have to walk for help.
-High calorie, non-perishable food like candy and canned nuts.
-Sand or strips of carpet for traction.
-Extra windshield washer fluid and antifreeze
-Flares or reflectors
-Cloth/paper towels
-Piece of bright cloth

Safe Winter Driving Tips
-Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights - even the hood and roof- before driving.
-Leave plenty of room for stopping.
-Pay attention! Don't try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement.
-Know the current road conditions. Call 511 to hear the latest road conditions.
-Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions.
-Bridge decks freeze first. Due to the difference in the exposure to air, the surface condition can be worse on a bridge than on the approach road.
-Exit ramps are an even greater challenge during the winter since they may have received less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway.
-Don't use the "cruise control" option driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
-Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that, if you are driving a four wheel drive vehicle, the vehicle may help you get going quicker but it won't help you stop any quicker. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop. Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle's traction.
-Look further ahead in traffic than you normally do. Actions by cars and trucks will alert you quicker to problems and give you a split-second extra time to react safely.
-Remember that trucks are heavier than cars. Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows.
-Most importantly please remember to SLOW DOWN! Also, seat belts should be worn at all times - it's the law.(Info from: massdot.state.ma.us)