1.26.23 OUTBoard Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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Driving in Winter Weather The N.C. Department of Transportation proactively plans for winter weather and has crews ready to clear roads, but driving during and after rain, ice or snow can still be dangerous. Although the guidelines on this page can help prevent a wreck, the only way to be certain is to stay off the roads. Before Driving • Be sure your vehicle is running well and equipped properly for driving on potentially dangerous roads. • You should have a supply kit that includes an ice scraper, snow brush, extra windshield wiper fluid and anti-freeze and a basic automotive tool kit that includes jumper cables and flares. • Have a supply kit in your trunk in case you get stranded. Include a flashlight, first-aid kit, blanket, shov- el, sand (to give tires traction), non-perishable snacks and drinking water and safety flares. You might want to include other items based on your personal needs. • Be sure you have at least a half-tank of gas in your vehicle (short commutes can turn into long ones when a storm hits) and a full reservoir of windshield washer fluid. Venturing Out First, don't go out unless you absolutely have to. If you must: • Slow down and maintain a safe following distance between you and other vehicles. Pass with extreme caution. Excessive speed is the No. 1 cause of wrecks in winter weather. • Do not use cruise control. • Approach bridges and overpasses with extreme caution since they accumulate ice first. Do not apply your brakes while on a bridge. • Come to a complete stop or yield the right of way when approaching an intersection where traffic lights are out. Treat this scenario as a four-way stop. • Clear as much as possible snow and ice from your vehicle — from the windows, mirrors, roof, hood, trunk, bumper, headlights and tail lights — of snow and ice to keep it from blowing off and obscuring your view or hitting other drivers' vehicles. • Drive smoothly, without sudden accelerating, braking or turning. Black Ice • Appearing as wet spots on a road, black ice is often the result of melting ice and snow that refreezes in- to thin layers. • Although NCDOT does its best to treat areas that are prone to black ice, it is unpredictable, and most of the time, drivers aren't aware of it until it's too late. • Don't drive unless you absolutely have to do so. The safest way to avoid black ice is to stay off the roads • If you do have to drive, do so at a slow speed and leave plenty of space between you and the vehicle in front of you.