Know Before You Go!
#1 Safety Tip is to Drive slowly!
- DO NOT crowd a snowplow or travel besides a plow truck.
- If you are driving and begin to skid, remain calm, ease your foot off the gas and turn your wheels into the skid - this will help straighten out the vehicle. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump the brakes on an ABS equipped vehicle.
- If you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves. Turn off your lights and use your parking brake when stopped so that another car won't mistakenly follow your tail/brake lights and end up hitting you.
- Inspect your tires for tire pressure, age, and damage.
- Let someone know where you are going and what route you will take.
- Keep vehicle clear of ice and snow – good vision is key to good driving.
Vehicle Preparedness Kit
Replenish your emergency preparedness kit for winter and include these additional items:
- Several blankets and a sleeping bag.
- Flashlight and extra batteries.
- Extra set of mittens, socks, and wool caps.
- First Aid kit and a pocket knife.
- A bag of sand or cat litter.
- Small shovel, pliers, wrench, and screwdriver.
- Windshield scraper and a small broom.
- Jumper cables and distress flares.
- Set of tire chains or snow tires.
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag.
If Stranded In A Vehicle
- Stay in the vehicle. DO NOT leave the vehicle to search for assistance unless assistance is visible within 100 feet.
- Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna, raise the hood, and turn on hazard lights. At night, use the dome light.
- Occasionally run the engine to keep warm. Run the heater sparingly. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear and open the downwind windows.
- Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs. Try not to stay in one position for too long.
- If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping. Huddle together for warmth.
Additional Resources
#DontCrowdThePlow: The NYS Department of Transportation safe winter driving campaign.
Travelers Resources: From the NYS Thruway Authority.