Rand McNally's Top 10 Tips for Driving in Winter Weather

CHICAGO, Dec. 12, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As temperatures drop and roads get slippery with ice and snow, even the most experienced of drivers can face challenges. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, there are over 1.2 million weather-related vehicle crashes across the U.S. each year, with 18% of them occurring due to adverse winter conditions. This year, Rand McNally's road trip experts have compiled a list of tips to help keep drivers safe and road-ready.

    1. Know the meaning of different winter weather alerts issued by the
       National Weather Service (NWS). Make sure you know the difference among
       the various alerts before you hit the road:
        a. Winter Storm Warning: This warning is issued when a significant
           winter weather event occurs, including snow, ice, sleet or blowing
           snow. The NWS advises against traveling; if you must drive, bring a
           winter survival kit (see point No. 5) in your vehicle.
        b. Winter Storm Watch: This alert means that severe winter conditions
           may be in effect and could make travel treacherous. You can expect
           heavy sleet, heavy snow, ice, blowing snow, and poor visibility.


        c. Winter Weather Advisory: The advisory is announced when wintry
           conditions are expected, but conditions are not as hazardous as the
           warnings or watches. Be alert and careful on the road at all times.


    2. Slow down and proceed with caution. If the roads are icy, it can take
       longer to brake, so make sure you are going at a speed that allows you to
       maintain traction and avoid skidding. Also, be sure to give yourself
       plenty of time to stop at intersections. Allow for three to twelve times
       more stopping distance than in normal dry conditions, depending upon the
       size of your vehicle.


    3. Pull over if it's too difficult to safely drive, such as in whiteout
       conditions, or if you've had an accident. If you unexpectedly find
       yourself unable to drive, try to pull over and park your car out of
       harm's way. Do not leave your vehicle, sit tight, and wait for help or
       until the dangerous conditions have passed. You can safely run the heat
       in your car for 10 minutes every hour to help warm up and keep the
       battery charged, but ensure that your exhaust pipe is free of snow to
       avoid any harmful carbon monoxide incidents.


    4. Before heading out, be sure to tell a friend or family member your travel
       schedule and route. This is especially important if you are driving in
       rural areas or on lightly-traveled roads.


    5. Make sure your car is stocked with the proper gear to handle winter
       driving-related tasks, as well as emergency supplies. The National Safety
       Council recommends that you have certain items on hand, such as a small
       shovel;  jumper cables; a bag of kitty litter to create traction if you
       happen to get stuck; a flashlight; a small tool kit; an ice scraper; a
       first aid kit; matches; blankets; non-perishable, high-energy foods like
       dried fruits, and water.


    6. Regularly check your windshield to ensure that the washer reservoir is
       full - and stash an extra bottle of fluid in your trunk. Be sure to buy
       fluid with extra alcohol or de-icer, to ensure that it works at lower
       temperatures.


    7. Keep your gas tank full. Cold temperatures can cause condensation to form
       on the walls of a low fuel tank; the water may then find its way into the
       fuel lines, freezing and blocking the flow of fuel to the engine. If this
       happens, you could find yourself stuck and racking up some pricey repair
       costs.


    8. Check your tire pressure before you leave. When outdoor temperatures
       drop, so does inflation pressure. Lower pressure can close up the tread
       and decrease traction, which can increase the likelihood of skidding on
       snow and ice and getting into an accident. The National Highway Traffic
       Safety Administration (NHTSA) recommends checking your tires at least
       once a month and before long road trips - it only takes a few minutes and
       you'll be glad you did. Many cars provide low tire pressure warnings; if
       you receive such a warning, stop as soon as possible to check your tire
       pressure.


    9. Remember, safety first. Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure that all
       other passengers in the car are buckled up in the appropriate way based
       on their age and size. According to the NHTSA, car crashes are a leading
       cause of death for children ages 1 to 13 - so make sure that kids are in
       the right car seat and that it's installed correctly.
    10. Keep your cell phone charged and keep a spare charger in the car. If
        something happens, you'll want to make sure that you have a way to reach
        someone, including emergency responders if cell service is available.

Severe weather can be challenging for drivers, but it's manageable if you prepare in advance. That way, you'll be ready for anything that Mother Nature throws your way.

About Rand McNally - Rand McNally is transforming personal and business travel with its revolutionary connected vehicle technology and consumer electronics. Celebrating 162 years in 2018, Rand McNally's mission is to deliver innovative products and services that enrich life's journey in four key segments: Consumer Electronics, Consumer Travel, Commercial Transportation, and Education. Learn more at randmcnally.com

©2018 RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally. All rights reserved.

Rand McNally and the globe logo are registered trademarks of RM Acquisition, LLC d/b/a Rand McNally.

View original content to download multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rand-mcnallys-top-10-tips-for-driving-in-winter-weather-300764311.html

SOURCE Rand McNally