February - March 2003 Edition

Winter Driving Reminders    By Traffic Todd   When I took this photo at the Radburn Station in the Fall, I was thinking that a  dreary Monday does have a bright spot after all.    Well, winter is a dangerous time of the year for traveling not only our local roads but the many highways surrounding Fair Lawn.  It is not too late to make sure your trusty metal steed is ready for winter driving.     Check your vehicle for the following items: Make sure that your tires are wearing evenly and if too worn, replace them. Make sure your windshield washer fluid is topped off. Don’t let your gas tank run too close to empty. Gas has some water vapor that could freeze up your fuel delivery system in extreme cold. Make sure all of your head, tail, fog and marker lights are in working order so other drivers can clearly see you Check your defroster system; make sure hot air blows when necessary. Also, check your electric rear defroster. It is important that you have clear vision out of every window.   Before you go: Warm up your vehicle and fully clear all of the windows of frost, ice and snow so you have unhampered vision of the roads you are traveling. Clear all loose snow and ice from your vehicle’s hood, roof and trunk. Fly-off of snow and ice can blind you or the vehicles next to you. Check the forecast and if possible reconsider your driving plans. Take the bus or train if feasible.   When on the road: Give yourself some extra travel time. Slow down and maintain a safe stopping distance when following other vehicles. Pull off the road to a safe area not obstructing the flow of traffic when using a cell phone so you can give your full attention to the road. Remember several neighboring locales and entire states have enacted bans against driving and talking on cell phones! Wear your seatbelt – It is the law and makes sense.   If you get stuck or have an accident: Try to get off of the roadway as far as possible. Activate your emergency flashers. Stay with your vehicle. Keep blankets, a flashlight, a first aid kit and emergency reflectors in your vehicle. If you don’t have a cell phone, consider purchasing one of those “throw away” phones to keep in your vehicle for use in an emergency. Don’t stand on the road trying to flag down help, another vehicle could hit you, stay to the side of your vehicle away from traffic. If stuck in a deep snow bank, make every attempt to keep your tailpipe clear of snow and ice build-up to prevent carbon monoxide from entering your vehicle.   Common sense driving will keep you out of the snow bank this winter so, Remember to Drive Alert, Drive Patiently and Drive Smartly.   See Traffic Todd's Previous Columns Spring Motoring (Spring 2003) The Automotive Alphabet (February 2003) Walking Safe (June 2002) Basic Driving  (April 2002)