Winter Driving Safety Tips

The weather in North Carolina is unpredictable and this time of year you never know when to expect black ice, snow, icy roads or a mixture of road conditions. Motorists should prepare in advance for the winter driving. Here are a few general safety tips and considerations for safe driving in winter weather.

Here are a few simple steps to help keep you on the road and less anxious:

• Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in your area.

• Decrease speed.

• Wear your seatbelt and obey all traffic laws

• Avoid distractions. Put down the cell phone.

• Don’t drink and drive.

Driving Considerations

• Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.

• Increase distance between vehicles – it takes significantly longer to stop on snow covered or icy roadways.

• Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision. It also prevents creating a dangerous situation for other vehicles trying to avoid the ice or snow flying off of your vehicle.

• Illuminate your vehicle’s headlamps and use your directional signals when required.

• Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they susceptible to freezing before roadways. Avoid using cruise control – cruise can cause the vehicle's wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.

Be Prepared

• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.

• Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.

• Take a blanket.

• Notify a family member or a friend of your travel plans prior to departure – if you travel is interrupted, someone will know.

Be Patient

Weather also limits law enforcement agency's capabilities and increases response time; also, keep in mind that agencies experience a high volume of requests for service. Attempt to move your vehicle out of the roadway if you are involved in a minor, non-injury traffic collision; especially if you are in a dangerous area such as a curve or a blind hill. If your vehicle is stranded or wrecked but not in the roadway, attempts to recover your vehicle will typically have to wait until conditions improve for safety considerations.

Should you need emergency assistance call 911.  If you need police assistance in the Town of Fuquay-Varina, call (919)552-3191.