Snow, ice on roadways require driver vigilance, special precautions

When heavy snow falls, as is predicted for this area Thursday and Friday, driving can become come tricky and dangerous. While officials usually suggest that motorists avoid driving in snowy or icy conditions, people's jobs and various other everyday duties often force people to travel.

To help motorists stay safe while driving in winter weather, the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) and the National Weather Service (NWS) have offered some tips for those who must be out and about.

According to the NWS, the worst driving conditions occur when winter storms include freezing rain. Freezing rain occurs whenever surface temperatures are at or below 32-degrees and rain freezes upon impact to exposed objects. The danger in ice storms is even greater if strong winds accompany the storm, causing tree limbs and wires to fall and imperil traffic.

Preparing one's vehicle for winter weather is among the first keys for safe traveling. Check belts, hoses and brake systems for excessive wear. Have the exhaust system checked, as small leaks can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment. Check tire treads for adequate traction and replace windshield wiper blades if they are ineffective.

It's also a good idea to keep a survival kit in the vehicle in the event of an emergency. That kit should include items such as an ice scraper, shovel, jumper cables, flashlight, sand or kitty litter for traction, a first-aid kit, tow rope or chain, extra clothing and blankets and non-perishable food items.

Also, before setting out, become aware of the road conditions throughout the area by going to KDOT's road condition Web site at www.kanroad.org and clicking on "Road Conditions." A statewide map will show weather-related information on primary routes in the state. Below the state map, click on links to regional map information. These maps show more routes, including all Kansas, U.S. and interstate designated routes in the region.

Road conditions can also be obtained by calling KDOT's toll-free Road Conditions Hot Line at (800) 585-ROAD (7623).

Once on the road, drivers should allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds. Buckle up and properly secure children in safety seats. Be sure to increase driving distance between cars to allow for stopping distance.

Accelerate and brake gently while driving. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by pumping the pedal, unless the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS). If the vehicle has ABS, it is very important to understand how to use it. Read the owner's manual and practice using it correctly. Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas.

Do not use cruise control on highways during wet or snowy conditions. The cruise control is designed for normal road conditions. It doesn't know when the pavement is slippery. Under slick conditions, the driver needs to be in complete control and monitoring road conditions. One is more likely to notice hydroplaning if not relying on the cruise control. With some cars, it is possible that the wheels will actually spin faster when the cruise control is on and the car hits a slippery spot. When the tires make contact with firm road again, the car can skid or lose control.

In the event that a vehicle loses traction and begins to slide, the driver is advised to steer into the swerve, or in the direction they want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the vehicle straightens out.

Visibility is important, as well. One must be able to see out while also being visible to other drivers. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors and lights before starting out and periodically, along the way.

Motorists who become stranded in a winter storm should not panic. Stay in the vehicle, keep fresh air circulating through a downwind window, run the motor sparingly, turn on the dome light, stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs. If a cellular phone is available, call a KHP dispatcher by dialing *HP (47) or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.

The NWS also suggests keeping the vehicle easily visible to rescue workers. Tie a colored cloth to the radio antenna during the day and keep some kind of light on at night.

In anticipation of inclement weather, KDOT routinely uses salt brine on its roadways for snow and ice control. Salt brine is cost effective and can be applied during normal working hours before a storm hits and can stay on the road for several days. Salt brine sticks to pavement and cannot be blown off by wind or traffic. This helps prevent the bond between snow and the pavement.

For more information about road conditions or to learn additional winter driving tips, visit KDOT's Web site at www.ksdot.org, or contact the Southeast Kansas District 4 Public Affairs Manager Priscilla Petersen at 1-877-550-KDOT.