Frigid Air Blows Up ERS Call Volumes, AAA Michigan Reports

22 December 1998
Frigid Air Blows Up ERS Call Volumes, AAA Michigan Reports
    DEARBORN, Mich., Dec. 22 -- Cold air and slippery conditions
across the state have caused an increase in emergency road service (ERS)
calls, according to AAA Michigan.  And with temperatures expected to dip in
the teens tonight, extra caution is advised as motorists venture out.  Common
problems reported are weak batteries and frozen doors.
    As of 9 a.m. today (Dec. 22), the Auto Club reported 700 ERS calls
handled, well above normal levels for this time period (3-400), with a 24-hour
period normally averaging 1,500-2,000 calls.
    To help motorists avoid unnecessary delays, AAA Michigan offers the
following winter driving tips:
    *  Improve visibility by clearing snow and ice from the entire car.
    *  Drive with headlights on low-beam for better road illumination.
    *  Posted speed limits are set for ideal road and weather conditions.
    *  When conditions are less than ideal, slow down.
    *  Avoid sudden starts, stops and turns.  Accelerate carefully so car
       wheels don't spin.
    *  Don't brake hard.  The best technique for braking on ice or snow is
       "threshold" or "squeeze" braking.  This is done by applying the brakes
       firmly to a point just short of lock-up, and then easing off the brake
       pedal slightly.  Applying steady pressure is better than pumping the
       brakes.  If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes, continuous, firm
       pressure is recommended.  Pumping will deactivate ABS.
    *  In a skid, ease off the accelerator and don't lock up the brakes.
       Carefully steer in the direction you want to go and straighten the
       wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction.
    *  Anticipate potential danger such as ice on bridges, snow-covered lane
       markings, stalled cars and poor visibility.  Adjust speed, increase
       stopping distance between other cars and change lanes to avoid trouble.