By Kenneth Dahl
The holiday season brings to many the chance to get together with friends and family. These gatherings often require winter driving for some member of your family.
Winter driving can be quite fearsome, but with reminders of a few safety guidelines much of that fear can be removed.
The National Automobile Dealers Association provides tips for safe driving on their web page, www.nada.org.
There are approximately 21 million accidents each year. 36 million drivers are involved in those accidents. NADA said driver error is responsible for 85 percent of all traffic accidents.
Ice on the roads can make the drive home a little slippery. Drivers should be aware of the road conditions before they get on the highway. This can be done by asking a service station attendant or another car heading coming from your destination.
According to NADA, at 40 miles per hour, a car that takes 110 feet to stop on dry pavement will take 200 feet in the rain, and 770 feet on ice. Bearing that in mind winter drivers should:
* Plan ahead - Know your route, if you expect bad weather leave earlier and pay attention to weather reports.
* Make sure you can see and be seen - Make sure your headlights are clear of snow and ice, even in daytime driving this will help your car to be seen by other drivers.
Proceed with caution - The enemies of winter traction are excessive speed and sudden movements of the brakes, steering wheel, or gas.
* Don''t spin the wheels - Much like a rolling stone gathers no moss, a spinning wheel gathers no traction. On icy roads start slow and point the front wheels straight to reduce resistance, then begin steering once the vehicle is moving.
* Cruise only when the roads are good - Never use cruise control if the roads aren''t dry. Watch out for bridges, shady spots and hills - all likely spots for water to gather and ice can form.
* Squeeze the brake gently - If your wheels begin to lock up, ease off the brake gently. If your car has an anti-lock brake system remember the three S''s - Stomp, Stay and Steer. A properly functioning ABS system will keep the brakes from locking up helping the driver to remain in control of the vehicle. ABS systems will push back on the brake pedal, letting the driver know the system is working.
Don''t panic - If the car begins to skid, don''t brake, hit the gas or jerk the wheel. Take your foot off the gas or push in the clutch. If the rear of the car is sliding turn into the direction of the skid (if the back of the car is moving towards the passengers side, then steer the car to that side) be prepared to do this between the two sides (remember the drivers education hand placement of 10:00 and 2:00) until the vehicle comes back under control.
* Tire inflation - The proper pressure of the vehicle tires not only will give your better fuel economy, tire life and ride, but will also maximize vehicle steering and braking control. Proper tire pressure can be check with a gauge available where automotive supplies are sold. More information about tire inflation is available at www.tiresafety.com.
* Check fluid levels - Oil, anti-freeze, brake fluid, automatic transmission fluid and power steering are all necessary to keep your car running. These should be checked frequently and especially before a long trip.
Winter driving can be a scary proposal, but proper preparation and safe driving practices can ensure holiday enjoyment this year and in the years to come. Merry Christmas and Happy Motoring.