Here are winter driving tips compliments of the State police website and the Northampton Township Police Department.
Know before you go! Limited up-to-date road and weather conditions across the Commonwealth can be accessed via the Pennsylvania State Police website www.psp.state.ps.us and/or the state’s travel site www.511pa.com.
Working Order! Ensure your car is serviced. Have your local mechanic do a thorough check of your vehicle, to include tires, fluids, windshield wipers, and other scheduled maintenance work.
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Prepare an emergency kit, to include:
- ice scraper and snow brush
- a bag or two of salt or sand
- small shovel
- tow chain
- jumper cables
- blanket, gloves, boots, and other warm clothes
- flashlight,
- food, water
- first aid kit
- extra batteries
- road flares
- emergency cash
- a working cell phone and charging unit or extra battery
- An emergency radio that can be cranked to generate a charge for your cell phone
Other Important Information—Driving during the winter months, it is important to:
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- Drive for conditions—slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking in winter conditions.
- Use your headlights at all times.
- Remember, four- and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions.
- Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on slick or snow-covered surfaces
- Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicles in front of you. Look farther ahead in traffic.
- And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
- If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it until it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver’s field of vision is very limited, so he or she may not see you. Snow removal equipment travels slowly and may make sudden movements right or left. Stay well back (15 car lengths) until you’re sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
- And ALWAYS wear your seat belt, and ensure all persons in your vehicle are properly restrained. It’s not only a good idea, it’s the law.
REMEMBER; IF YOU DON’T NEED TO TRAVEL IN WINTER WEATHER… DON’T!
