Three Ways to Prepare for Winter Driving

With more wintery precipitation in the forecast, AAA Mid-Atlantic is reminding drivers across the state of three ways to stay safer on the road during these types of weather events.

“Driving on snow-covered or icy roads – or getting stranded on the roadside - puts drivers, their passengers and those who then must come to their rescue, at increased risk,” says Ragina Cooper Averella, Manager of Public and Government Affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic. “So it’s important that drivers take precaution and ensure their vehicles are winter-ready.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic shares three ways drivers can minimize their risk while behind the wheel:

1. Adjust Driving Times:
AAA is encouraging anyone who can, to adjust their schedule to avoid being on the road during wintery precipitation. In so doing, drivers help to minimize risk for those who must be out, including our State and local police, hospital staff, and AAA Roadside Rescue crews.

Dangerous winter storms and bad weather are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than two thousand road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

2. Adjust Driving Behaviors in accordance with the conditions.
AAA recommends drivers:
* Slow down. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
* Increase your following distance to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
* Pull over to a safe location whenever visibility is limited or conditions are unsafe
* If you skid, Always look and steer in the direction you want to go
* Don’t use cruise control
* Turn on your headlights so you can see and be seen. Remember, it’s the law in Maryland and surrounding states.
* Minimize distractions
And, of course, always wear your seatbelt.

3. Prepare Your Vehicles
AAA handles an average of 600,000 emergency roadside assistance calls per week in the winter with the most common problems being dead batteries, extractions, towing and flat tires.

AAA is reminding drivers to keep their vehicle as winter-ready as possible. This includes:

* Check battery
* Check tire pressure
* Full tank of gas
* Check that windshield wipers are in good working order
* Check headlights are working and clean
* Fully stocked winter emergency kit: Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, blanket, gloves, flashlight, warning flares, kitty litter, fully charged cellphone, cellphone charger, water, snacks, medicine
* Check to make sure you AAA membership* is up-to-date and that your membership card is readily available

AAA Mid-Atlantic’s thirteen Car Care, Insurance and Travel Centers throughout Maryland offer complimentary car battery and tire pressure checks for all motorists regardless of AAA membership. Motorists can see firsthand whether their car battery is strong enough to withstand the bitter cold. To find a nearby Car Care Center, visit AAA.com/Locations.

* In the interest of everyone’s safety, AAA Mid-Atlantic is sharing a membership discount code for new and renewing members. For special offers on new AAA Memberships, use the promo code: “SAFETYNEW.” For current members renewing, use the promo code: “SAFETY.” Call (866) 636-2377 or visit a AAA Mid-Atlantic store. To find a store location, visit AAA.com/Store.