10 Tips for PA Winter Driving Safety

Safety Tips for Winter Driving

As Pennsylvania braces for harsh winter weather, safety officials are advising drivers to take steps to prevent road accidents.

Two important precautions: checking your engine coolant and tire pressure.

Each winter, people are injured and killed in auto accidents in Pennsylvania caused by drivers who don’t use proper care in hazardous conditions.

Following are 10 Foul Weather Safety Tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:

1. Get a tune-up. Make sure your car is running properly and not likely to break down.
2. Check for fluid leaks. Visit your mechanic for routine vehicle maintenance, such as checking for fluid levels and detecting leaks.
3. Make sure your battery has sufficient voltage. It takes more cranking power to start your vehicle in cold weather.
4. Use the right coolant mix. A 50/50 mix of coolant to water is usually sufficient, but ask your mechanic.
5. Flush your cooling system. Dirt and rust particles can clog the system and cause it to fail.
6. See that your windshield wipers and defrosters are working properly. Refill the windshield washer reservoir with high-quality, no-freeze washer fluid.
7. Get a good ice scraper. Remove snow and ice from all windows and mirrors and keep them clean.
8. Inspect your tires. See that they are filled to the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Check tread depth to make sure your tires are appropriate for winter driving conditions.
9. Stock your vehicle with essentials. These might include a snow shovel, broom, ice scraper, jumper cables, flashlight, warning devices, mobile phone, food and water, and medicines.
10. Stay home. Enjoy a mug of hot chocolate and wait until conditions improve.

Drivers who fail to take safety steps in winter weather pose a risk of harm to themselves and others.

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