Hello. I'm Ron VanBibber, a driver account specialist from the Roadway service center in Salt Lake City, Utah. During my 22 years as a professional driver, I've driven through all types of bad weather and learned a lot about staying safe. Now that winter's upon us, I'd like to share some of my tips to help you stay safe. You've probably heard many of these tips before but, when it comes to safety, a few more reminders can't hurt.
#1 Be Prepared.
You have to get ready for what you may encounter. You may say this is common sense, and it is. But how many of us jump in our vehicle when the weather looks nice and end up in a storm? I suggest:
#2 Complete a Pre-Trip Inspection.
Professional drivers are required to inspect their vehicles before every trip. We do a visual, hands-on inspection and check all important items, including tires, wiper blades and fluid, lights, and tires. You should check your vehicle often. And be sure to have a mechanic check it at the start of the winter season. I can't count how many times I have stopped to help someone on the side of the road with a flat and have found their spare tire also flat. You should check your spare on a regular basis.
#3 Slow down.
Many accidents occur during this time of year because drivers are going too fast for conditions. A slower speed gives you more time to react if something occurs. Extra patience and care for other drivers can go a long way this time of year.
#4 Give yourself extra space.
Allow for more room between yourself and other vehicles. You should always have enough space and time to move out of harm's way.
#5 Hold your steering wheel firmly.
Sudden, sharp moves can quickly cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Stay steady through ruts in the road, heavy wind, and on ice.
#6 Brake and accelerate lightly.
Try not to do anything forcefully in bad weather. When you need to slow down quickly in slippery conditions, try lightly pumping your brakes. This reduces your chance of locking your tires and spinning out of control.
If your vehicle has ABS brakes, it is recommended that you hold the brake down as far as possible in an emergency. The ABS system prevents the wheels from locking enabling you to steer around obstacles.
#7 Watch for black ice.
This is a very dangerous condition. Black ice is a thin layer of transparent ice that forms when the temperature is around the freezing point. It sometimes makes the road look slightly wet. This can sneak up on you so, when the temperature gets close to freezing, I look for clues:
#8 Use extra caution when approaching bridges.
Elevated structures like bridges and highway overpasses usually freeze first and many are not treated with ice/snow melt materials (salt, sand) like the rest of the road. I've seen many vehicles traveling fine on the highway, but as soon as they get on a bridge they spin out of control. Black ice is often found on bridges.
#9 Mountain driving is often hazardous.
Mountain weather can be severe in winter and can change rapidly. Be ready for wind gusts and stay aware of emergency vehicles and snowplows. If at all possible, do not stop in avalanche zones. Obey posted rules. Tire chains may be required for certain routes.
#10 Obey all road signs.
A simple, yet effective tip. Safety authorities post this information for a reason. I've seen many drivers get into trouble just by ignoring a sign.
#11 If stranded or stuck, stay in your vehicle.
If you get stuck in a bad storm or blizzard and you can't see a close place to seek assistance, stay put! It's easy to get confused in a bad storm and you may get lost.
This is a time to use those supplies mentioned in tip #1. You should also keep moving to stay warm. And to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation. Only run your engine for ten minutes each hour.
#12 If conditions look bad, get off the road.
Don't push your luck. Use your best judgment. Listen to weather reports and warnings and react appropriately. This tip can help you avoid having to use tip #11.
...and the last, but certainly not the least important tip: Never Leave Without Your "Keys." All Roadway drivers are trained to use the Smith System® safety education program that utilizes the "5 Keys To Space Cushion Driving." The 5 keys are: Aim High in Steering - make sure you're looking far enough ahead of your vehicle so you have time to react to any hazardous situation; Get the Big Picture - look all around your vehicle; Keep Your Eyes Moving - continuously scan the entire area; Leave Yourself an Out - always have an escape plan for you and your vehicle; and Make Sure They See You - make other drivers aware of your presence.
I can personally attest to the importance of using the Smith System® while driving. I use the 5 Keys all day, every day.
Thanks for reading my tips and remember to always drive safely!
