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AAA Offers Tips for Driving in Rain, Snow and Ice

3 December 1998

AAA Offers Tips for Driving in Rain, Snow and Ice

    SAN FRANCISCO--Dec. 3, 1998--If you're heading toward snow-covered mountains, frost-layered shopping malls, or just cruising to your local store to pick up some egg nog, AAA advises motorists to drive with caution in rain, snow and ice.
    "Driving in cold or wet weather can turn a fun day trip into a roadside nightmare if you are not prepared," said AAA of Northern California spokesman Ron Kennedy.
    Heavily traveled routes such as Interstate 80 and U.S. 50 are particularly vulnerable to winter-weather accidents and closures because of dense traffic at peak travel periods. Avalanche control work may close Highway 50 during heavy storms, while I-80 often suffers from zero visibility caused by high winds and blowing snow.
    AAA offers advice to help motorists prepare themselves and their vehicles for winter driving:

Be prepared:

--   Allow sufficient travel time. Trips to the mountains can take
     longer during winter than other times of the year, especially if
     you encounter storm conditions or icy roads.

--   Keep a full gas tank. It may be necessary to change routes or
     turn back during a bad storm.

--   Keep your windshield and windows clear. Keep a snow brush or ice
     scraper handy, and use the car defroster or a clean cloth to keep
     the windows free of fog.

--   Before you set out, make sure your brakes, windshield wipers,
     defroster, heater and exhaust system are in top condition. Also
     check your antifreeze level and tire pressure.

--   Carry emergency items in your car including: flashlight, first
     aid kit, flares, washer fluid, jumper cables, tool kit, blanket
     or sleeping bag, gloves, paper towels, drinking water and extra
     food.

--   If your vehicle gets stuck on snow or ice, it helps if you have a
     small bag of abrasive material, such as sand, salt or
     non-clumping kitty litter, as well as a small shovel to free the
     vehicle.

--   Always carry chains. Make sure you know if your vehicle has front
     or rear-wheel drive. Chains must be installed on the drive
     wheels.

--   Carry an extra ignition key in your pocket. Many motorists lock
     themselves out of their cars while installing tire chains or
     attending to problems after a breakdown.

Winter Driving Tips:

--   Slow down. When the temperature drops below freezing, stopping
     distances need to be doubled. Be cautious on shaded spots,
     bridges, overpasses and intersections. These are areas where ice
     is likely to form first or be the most slippery, because the
     shiny ice surface has either been polished by previous vehicle
     traffic, or a thin layer of water covers the melting ice below.

--   Allow more distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead --
     usually six to eight seconds.

--   If your vehicle skids, don't hit the brakes! Ease off the
     accelerator and steer slightly into the direction of the skid
     until you gain control.

--   During storms Caltrans broadcasts road condition information to
     low frequency radio transmitters along some mountain highways.
     Watch for road signs along the way and turn your radio to the
     frequency given. For more information, call Caltrans at
     1-800-427-ROAD.

--   For information on skiing and snowboarding conditions at resorts
     in Northern California, Nevada and Utah 24 hours a day, call
     AAA's Snow Report Hotline at 415/864-6440.

    Established more than 90 years ago, the AAA affiliate of Northern California, Nevada and Utah offers a wide array of automotive, insurance, travel, and financial services. It is the second largest affiliate of the national AAA organization with more than 40 million members in the United States and Canada.