Winter safety for students

 Like it or not, the snow and the cold is coming soon and it’s time to help people to get ready with information on things that you need to ensure safety for the winter.

Be prepared for ice on the roads.

Typically, weather channels and radio reports will warn of ice for the day ahead, so get a Weather App on your phone beforehand. 

Drive slower during these times; at least five mph below the legal limit when ice is possible. This allows you to have a better chance at regaining control of your vehicle should you start to swerve or spin. Some people may speed past you, but you are being the safe one by going slightly under the speed limit. That being said, you should plan on leaving slightly earlier than usual, in case there is an emergency.

When sliding, Don’t panic. You slide typically when you’re braking or on an ice patch. In order to regain control of your car when you feel it sliding on ice and you’re not braking:

1. Let up off the gas pedal; sometimes it’s the excessive kinetic energy in the wheels that’s making you slide.
2. If you’re still sliding after a second or two, lightly press down on the brake. The best way to do this light brake is to use your toe to push on the brakes a little.

Make sure that you always have both hands on the steering wheel during the winter. Both hands allow you to react better to any situation and avoid totaling your car.

Gas up your car before a storm. That being said, don’t let your tank get more than half empty during the winter, especially when it gets really cold in the negatives. When your tank gets really low, the tank will start to suck in air, which can bring in moisture and freeze in the engine during frigid temperatures.That can be bad for your engine overall. Plus, if you gas up before a storm, then you don’t have to worry about getting stranded in the cold should you get stuck in the snow. You’ll have a car that has a full tank of gas and also heat.

Warm up your car for at least 10 minutes before you leave. This way, if there is a problem with your car, you can address it earlier. Also, it is better for your car’s engine and helps elongate its lifespan. You can help defrost your car before you get on the road at all, so there’s that.

Lift up your windshield wipers. That way, they won’t be frozen to your windshield. If you have an older make of a car and aren’t able to pull your wipers upwards, then use two old socks or other fabric that you can wrap around them. The reason for this precaution is because ice has a habit of ripping or leaving gouges in your wipers, making them impossible to use later on, since they’ll leave streaks or just stop working. 

Consider investing in a windshield cover to protect your windshield from snow or ice. 

Stay safe, stay warm, and most importantly, Go Blue!