As another winter storm makes it way through Dallas-Fort Worth, bringing with it precipitation and freezing temperatures. If you must venture out, here are some driving tips.
The National Weather Service offers the following tips:
- Reduce speed and allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
- Avoid making sharp turns or braking suddenly.
- If your vehicle skids, gently steer in the direction of the skid to regain control; resist the urge to jerk the steering wheel in the opposite direction.
- From a stop, accelerate slowly in second gear to get better traction.
- Sand, kitty litter or cardboard can help you regain traction if your vehicle gets struck.
- Take blankets, water, jumper cables, a flashlight and a tow rope, in case you get stranded.
If you get stuck on the road
Here are tips from the American Red Cross if you become stranded on the road:
- Stay in your car. Don’t leave your car unless help is visible.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth onto your antenna or mirror to make yourself visible to other cars and to make it known you need help.
- Turn your car on every hour for 10 minutes, and use the car’s heater when you do so. This helps conserve fuel. Make sure there’s no snow inside the exhaust pipe.
- When the engine is on, leave the lights on in your car so you can be seen.
- Stay alert. Try occasional light exercises in your car, like clapping your hands and moving your legs around.
- If someone else is in the car, take turns sleeping if you need to rest.
- Drink plenty of water.
- Avoid overexertion, like shoveling snow or pushing a car. Wait for help if you aren’t able to get out on your own.
