Tips for safer winter driving

Sunset, Jan, 1994 by Lora J. Finnegan

Here are ways to prepare your vehicle and yourself for snow country

DRIVING WEST ON INTERSTATE 70 on a Colorado ski trip last winter, I noticed a few flakes of snow coming down just as the car entered the Eisenhower Memorial Tunnel, which bores through the Rocky Mountains. Minutes later, emerging from the tunnel's west end, I was enveloped in a whiteout. Packed snow covered the roadbed and lane markers; swirling snow obscured everything else. Nature had suddenly imposed a few new rules of the road.

I slowed the car to a crawl and pulled off safely to wait until conditions improved.

In later discussions with Western highway experts, I learned that many visitors get into trouble simply because they are unfamiliar with basic winter driving techniques. Here are some of the experts' suggestions.

GET THE CAR READY FOR WINTER

Give it a checkup. Make sure your car has had a thorough checkup (especially the battery, ignition, and brakes) and that you've added antifreeze rated for the anticipated temperatures. If you're renting a car, request a "winterized" vehicle--one that already has the correct antifreeze and heavy-duty all-weather or snow tires; "skierized" means it also has a ski rack, and in some cases tire chains in the trunk.

Whether driving your own or a rental vehicle, make sure the wiper blades are in good condition, and the windshield cleaner reservoir is filled with antifreeze washer solvent solution. Check to see that tires have adequate tread and are properly inflated.

Gear up. It's a good idea to bring a flashlight, flares, booster cables, a shovel, and a pliable rubber mat for traction should you get stuck in the snow. A heavy-duty ice scraper and de-icing spray will come in handy. Carry survival clothing and a blanket if you're planning a trip to remote parts.

Tire chains. If you're renting a vehicle, ask if the agency provides chains (some prohibit their use; other agencies allow you to rent them for the vehicle, provided you assume responsibility for their proper use and any damage to the vehicle that may result). If you've never installed chains or are trying a new set, practice putting them on while the car is in the driveway.

WHEN THE ROAD TURNS MEAN

Before starting out, brush your car windows and roof free of snow for the best visibility. It's best to call ahead to check road conditions.

When conditions deteriorate, slow down and leave lots of road between your car and other vehicles: under stormy, wet, or icy conditions, stopping can take many times the distance that it would on dry pavement. Remember that four wheel drive allows the vehicle to go faster in snow, but it may not be safe to do so--and it doesn't shorten stopping distance.

To prevent skidding, keep the car going at a steady, slow pace and take curves cautiously; avoid turning or swerving suddenly. When braking, apply steady pressure and ease off slightly just short of a lockup. Watch for dangerous "black ice" (it looks like dark, wet pavement), especially on roadbeds under overpasses, on bridges, and in canyon bottoms that rarely see the sun. Some states sprinkle roads with sand and gravel, which can be slippery stuff after ice melts.

In a skid, the rule of thumb is to shift into neutral, take your foot off the accelerator, and avoid slamming on the brakes and locking them up, according to the traffic safety experts of the California State Automobile Association. Then, actions vary according to whether you're driving a front-wheel-drive or a rear-wheel-drive car; check your owner's manual and follow those recommendations.

Chain time. Under hazardous conditions, state highway departments may close roads or allow only vehicles that have tire chains or snow tires, or four wheel drive with adequate tires.

Some states, such as Idaho and Wyoming, don't require that drivers use tire chains; nonetheless, their prerecorded road reports may advise using chains under stormy conditions. Studded tires are legal in some states (including Colorado and Idaho), but check local regulations before installing them.

ROAD REPORTS

For the latest reports on road conditions, closures, and snow tire or chain requirements, call these state transportation department numbers:

Arizona: (602) 252-1010, ext. 7623.

California: in state, (800) 427-7623; from outside the state, (916) 445-1534.

Colorado: for the Denver area, call (303) 639-1111; for other areas, call 639-1234.

Idaho: (208) 336-6600.

Montana: (800) 332-6171.

Nevada: (702) 793-1313, 738-8888, or 486-3116.

New Mexico: in state, call (800) 432-4269; from outside the state, call (505) 827-5213.

Oregon: in state, call 976-7277; from outside the state, call (503) 889-3999.

Utah: (801) 964-6000.

Washington: (900) 407-7277 or (800) 695-7623.

Wyoming: for the Jackson area, call (307) 733-9966; for other areas, call 777-4375.