Know more than just the winter driving basics

You are probably aware of the basics of safe winter driving like slowing down and leaving extra space between you and the vehicle ahead of you, but did you know...

It’s illegal in some states to drive without removing the ice and snow from your vehicle.

Snow and ice flying from vehicles can endanger drivers and pedestrians. Snow and ice from your own vehicle’s roof can slide down the windshield and block your view or fly off the back of your car hitting another motorist, causing potential damage, injury or even death. A few of the states with snow removal laws include:

• PENNSYLVANIA: Drivers can be fined up to $1,000 when snow and ice flying off of their moving vehicle causes damage or injury to another vehicle or pedestrian.
• MICHIGAN: Drivers cannot operate their vehicle if there is an object impairing their vision, if the rear window is obstructed and if objects impair the required brightness of their car lights. It is also illegal if snow or ice flies off another vehicle and impairs the vision of other drivers.
• NEW HAMPSHIRE: It is illegal to leave snow and ice on a vehicle and the driver can be fined up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for a second offense.
• Other states with snow and ice removal laws include Alaska, Connecticut, Georgia, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and Wisconsin.

It only takes minutes for carbon monoxide to climb to a dangerous level in a vehicle.
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless gas that can kill you. Check your exhaust pipe to make sure it is clear of snow. A blocked pipe could cause a leakage of carbon monoxide gas into your vehicle when the engine is running. And don’t warm up your vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. This can also cause toxic carbon monoxide to build up.

Looking ahead can help provide reaction time if an animal is spotted in the road.

During winter months, and especially in more rural areas, animals are often bolder in their hunt for food. With snow-covered roads, they often do not recognize that they have come to a paved highway and will simply keep going. Also, remember some animals move in groups, so when there is one, there are usually more in the area.

You should not use your wipers as a snow brush or ice scraper.
Using your wipers to clean off the windshield can cause tears and bend or even break your wiper arms, making the wipers less effective. Use an actual snow brush, an ice scraper or run your vehicle’s defrost to melt the snow and ice. If you have been using your wipers, be sure to turn them off when you park your vehicle. That way when you start your car again, the wipers won’t automatically start which can potentially tear the wipers if they become frozen to the windshield.

QUICK FIX: Slide a sock over each blade the night before you expect wintery weather. This should keep them from icing over or freezing to the windshield.