Oklahoma Winter Driving Safety
Winter Driving Techniques
- Always try to accelerate slowly. If more traction is needed, spread some salt, sand, or kitty litter in front of the drive wheels.
- When driving on slippery and icy roadways, be sure to remember that traction is greatest just before the wheels spin. Gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting is the best method for retaining traction and avoiding loss of control.
- Snowy or icy conditions make steering difficult and require smooth, cautious, and precise movements of the steering wheel. Skids and loss of control are caused by sudden acceleration, braking, or steering movements. Anticipate lane changes, turns, and curves by slowing down earlier than you would on dry pavement.
- When approaching a hill, observe how other vehicles are reacting and keep far enough behind the vehicle immediately ahead so that you will not have to stop or lower your speed.
- Place additional heavy weight in the trunk if you have a rear-wheel drive car.
- Carry a cell phone and make sure it is fully charged.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
- If you do loose control or skid, do not panic. Let up on the accelerator or brake, and then look and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Make sure your tires are properly inflated.
- Avoid driving when tired or fatigued.
- Always wear your seatbelt.
Preparing the Driver
- Before you drive in snow and ice, start with the right mindset. Recognize that it is going to take you longer to get where you are going so you must allow for extra time.
- Drive at a speed that matches road conditions, visibility, and traffic.
- Select clothing that provides warmth, comfort and freedom of movement.
- Clean all snow and ice from the entire vehicle, specifically the windshield, side windows, back window and lights.
- Before departing, start your car and turn on the heater for a minute or two before turning on the defroster as this will help prevent moisture from fogging up the windshield.
Winter Driving Kit
In case of emergency, stock your trunk with:
- A bag of abrasive material (sand, salt or kitty litter)
- A snow brush
- Ice scraper
- Paper towels
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Blanket
- Warm clothes
- A "send help" banner
- Basic tools
- A first aid kit
We can handle your potential legal case if you are in any of these Oklahoma cities. Even if your city is not listed you may still speak with one of our Oklahoma car accident attorneys by filling out our contact form or calling us toll-free at 1 (866) 664-0400.
Ada, Afton, Altus, Alva, Anadarko, Ardmore, Atoka, Bartlesville, Blackwell, Broken Arrow, Catoosa, Chandler, Checotah, Chickasha, Claremore, Clinton, Del City, Duncan, Durant, Edmond, El Reno, Elk City, Enid, Erick, Frederick, Glenpool, Grove, Guthrie, Guymon, Henryetta, Idabel, Lawton, Locust Grove, Mcalester, Miami, Midwest City, Moore, Muskogee, Norman, Oklahoma City, Okmulgee, Owasso, Pauls Valley, Perry, Ponca City, Poteau, Pryor, Roland, Sallisaw, Sand Springs, Savanna, Shawnee, Stillwater, Stilwell, Stroud, Tahlequah, Tulsa, Vinita, Wagoner, Weatherford, Woodward, Yukon
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