Letter: Take precautions for winter driving
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
Snow and ice add challenges to our driving routines as we travel between Washington state and Oregon. As president at a Vancouver auto dealer I would like to offer simple safety practices that can help remove some of the stress and hazards involved with winter driving:
On ice and snow, take it slow.
Use your headlights.
Do not use cruise control.
Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. The larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance.
Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
Keep in your vehicle a basic winter survival kit that includes flashlight, batteries, blanket, snacks, water, gloves, boots and first-aid kit.
Load your car with winter travel gear such as tire chains, ice scraper/snow brush, jumper cables and road flares.
Also, get a vehicle winter maintenance check-up for your tires, battery, belts, hoses, radiator, lights, brakes, heater/defroster and wipers.
For more information, download the Washington State Department of Transportation online winter driving guide at http://bit.ly/yCzEEt.
Jon Creedon
VANCOUVER
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