• Slow down.  When the temperature drops below freezing, stopping distances need to be doubled.  Be cautius in shady spots, bridges, overpasses and intersection.  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 of you, 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.

• See and be seen - keep your windows clear of snow

PREPARE
Maintain your car:
·        Is battery good?
·        Tires?  Tread?  Do you need snow tires?
·        Put no-freeze fluid in the washer reservoir
·        Check anti freeze in cooling system

Have on hand:
·        Flashlight
·       Jumper Cables
·        Abrasive material (sand, kitty litter, traction mats, floor mats)
·        Shovel
·        Warning devices
·         Blankets
·        Snow brush/Ice scraper
·        Cell phone

Stopped or Stalled:
·       Stay with your car
·       Don’t over exert
·        Put bright markeer on antenna/in window/shine dome light
·        If you run  car, run just long enough to remove chill and keep exhaust pipe clear

NEW TO COLD WEATHER DRIVING?  PRACTICE
     In wide open snow or ice-covered parking lot, during daylight hours, rehearse   
     slow driving maneuvers
·       Steer into a skid
·        Know what your brakes will do
·        With antilock (ABS) brakes, stomp and steer
·        With non ABS brakes, pump the brakes to avoid wheel lock-up
·        Slow down.  Stopping distances are longer on water-covered ice and ice

PROTECT YOURSELF
·       Buckle up
·        Use child safety seats properly
·        Never place a rear-facing seat in front of an air bag
·        The safest place for all children 12 and under is in the back seat
·        Sit back 10 inches from an air bag

Traveling?
Call these numbers for road information
Kansas - 1-800-585-7623
Click here for Kansas road conditions online

Oklahoma - 1-405-425-2385
Missouri - 1-800-222-6640

police@coffeyville.com

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