Safety on snowy, icy roads:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop.
• You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don�t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.If your rear wheels skid.

Necessary equipment:

An emergency situation on the road can arise at any time and you must be prepared. In addition to making sure you have a tune-up, a full tank of gas, and fresh anti-freeze, you should carry the following items in your trunk and replenish after use:

• Properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench and tripod-type jack
• Tow and tire chains
• Shovel
• Jumper cables
• Tool kit
• Wooden matches in a waterproof container
• Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, and hard candy
• Windshield cleaner
• Scissors and string/cord
• Brightly
• colored cloth
• Ice scraper and snow brush
• First aid kit
• Reflective triangles
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Bag of salt or cat litter

If you get stuck…

• Do not spin your wheels. This will only dig you in deeper.
• Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way.
• Use a light touch on the gas, to ease your car out.
• Pour sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt in the path of the wheels, to help get traction.
• Try rocking the vehicle. (Check your owner�s manual first � it can damage the transmission on some vehicles.) Shift from forward to reverse, and back again.

If you become stranded…

• Do not leave your car unless you know exactly where you are, how far it is to possible help, and are certain you will improve your situation.
• To attract attention, light two flares and place one at each end of the car a safe distance away.
• Hang a brightly colored cloth from your antenna.
• If you are sure the car�s exhaust pipe is not blocked, run the engine and heater for about 10 minutes every hour or so depending upon the amount of gas in the tank.
• Keep at least one window open slightly. Heavy snow and ice can seal a car shut.
• Eat a hard candy to keep your mouth moist.

If your rear wheels skid…

• Take your foot off the accelerator.
• Steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. If your rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they�re sliding right, steer right.
• If your rear wheels start sliding the other way as you recover, ease the steering wheel toward that side. You might have to steer left and right a few times to get your vehicle completely under control.
• If you have standard brakes, pump them gently.
• If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS), do not pump the brakes. Apply steady pressure to the brakes. You will feel the brakes pulse � this is normal.

If your front wheels skid…

• ?Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral, but don�t try to steer immediately.
• As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, steer in the direction you want to go. Then put the transmission in �drive� or release the clutch, and accelerate gently.

Sources: National Safety Council, New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, Washington State Government Information & Services, Weather.com �