NEWS from AAA Oklahoma, Dec. 14 2007 – Driving in winter conditions requires planning, patience and special skills.

PLAN AHEAD

• Check weather conditions in the areas you’ll be driving.
• Choose major routes.
• Allow extra time to get there.
• Carry an emergency kit including jumper cables, ice scraper, snow brush, warm clothing, windshield washer solvent, working flashlight, orange triangles or flares, bag of abrasive material such as clay-based kitty litter or sand, first aid kit with extra bandages and, most importantly, a cellular telephone with charger cord.
• If you have a rear-wheel-drive vehicle, place added weight in the car trunk or pickup bed for greater traction. Cinder blocks work well.
• Dress in layers.
• Clear off all windows.
• Turn on your lights.

AS YOU ARE DRIVING

• Remember that bridges and overpasses will ice up first.
• Anticipate the flow of traffic to avoid sudden stops or quick lane changes.
• Increase following distances to eight to ten seconds.
• All vehicles take about the same distance to stop, whether 4-wheel drive or not.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
• If you start to skid, don’t panic, let up on the brake or accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
• Be aware that your vehicle’s traction is greatest just before your wheels start to spin.