Indiana State Police Offer Winter Driving Tips

Some counties in north central Indiana are under a winter storm watch issued by the National Weather Service. A mixture of heavy snowfall, sleet, and freezing rain are being forecasted. This combination can cause driving conditions to change quickly. To help Hoosiers prepare for this winter storm the Indiana State Police offer the following safety tips.

Be prepared:

• Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
• Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
• Slow down on snow/ice covered roads.
• Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
• Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof, and lights.
• Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
• Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid loosing traction.
• Use low beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.

Should you become stranded:

• • Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.
  • Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
  • Roll down your window a small amount.
  • Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
  • Don’t panic. An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.

A four-wheel drive vehicle may keep you from being stuck in deep snow or aid in acceleration during slippery road conditions, but it will not allow you to stop any quicker. Slow down and allow yourself plenty of stopping distance.

For Indiana road conditions between December 1 and April 1, call 317-232-8298 or 800-261-7623 or visit the state police website at www.in.gov/isp.

Source: Indiana State Police