By Rachel Gardner
gardner@newsnet.byu.edu
With the semester ending, students are packing their cars in an effort to head home for the holidays.
Many students leave as soon as they finish their last finals, leaving late in the night to begin a long drive with hazardous road conditions and post-final fatigue.
The National Weather Service urges motorists to check the forecast before traveling.
'Driving in Utah in the winter requires prior planning or else you can find yourself in an unsafe situation in which even a good driver cannot get out of,' said William Joslyn, 21 a sophomore from Del Mar, Calif., who has not declared a major.
While driving down I-15 this winter at the speed of traffic, Joslyn's car hit black ice, smashed into the center divider and rolled three times.
'Provo has many people from other states with no winter driving experience. While driving, don't just watch yourself but others around you too,' Joslyn said.
The Web site www.icepack.org gives instructions on safe driving in winter conditions.
* Slow down before reaching an intersection. Scan left and right for cars and pedestrians. After a stop, press the accelerator slowly.
* If you have a manual transmission, try starting in second gear to avoid wheel spin.
* When approaching an icy hill, pick a path that will allow you the most traction. Head for unpacked snow or powder where you will get a better grip.
* Build your speed gradually before you reach the hill and if you have switch-on-the-fly four-wheel drive, shift before you reach the hill, according to the icepack Web site.
* Reduce your speed before you enter an icy curve. Any sudden acceleration or deceleration while turning could send the car into a skid.
* Controlled speed, smooth steering and braking will help prevent from skidding on an icy turn.
* If wheels lose grip, gradually release the pressure from whichever pedal you're using and smoothly steer in the direction you want the car to go.
The AAA-Motor Club recommends practicing slow-speed maneuvers on an empty snow or ice-covered parking lot to become familiar with your vehicle's winter weather operating characteristics.