Winter Weather Driving Tips

Even though southern Kentucky is currently experiencing a lull in colder temperatures and frozen precipitation, tomorrow only marks the halfway point through meteorological winter. With this in mind, it is always important to brush up on winter weather driving tips so that you can be prepared to drive safely through whatever winter throws your way.

NOAA recently published an article titled, “Weathering the Winter Season” which included a few tips for driving during the winter months:

“To keep safe, consider doing the following before driving in winter weather conditions, especially if the National Weather Service has issued warnings or watches in your area:

• Keep the gas tank full to keep the fuel line from freezing.
• Let someone know your destination, route, and when you expect to arrive.
• Keep a cell phone or other emergency communication device with you.
• Pack your car with thermal blankets, extra winter clothes, basic tool kit, (including a good knife and jumper cables), an ice scraper and shovel, flashlights or battery-powered lanterns with extra batteries, and high calorie, nonperishable food, and water.
• Use sand or kitty litter under your tires for extra traction, especially if you find yourself stuck in a slippery spot.”

The best advice is to simply not driving when roads are snow covered or icy roads but if you must get out observe some of these driving tips courtesy of Bridgestone Winter Driving School:

Will residents of southern Kentucky get a chance to use the winter weather driving tips? It is too soon to tell but important to remember that the most significant winter storm last season occurred in early March.