Office of Risk Management

Office of Risk Management Driving in Inclement Weather

Inclement Weather includes: Ice Snow Rain Fog Wind Any other natural hazard or factor This training will focus on ice and snow but will touch on the other issues listed above.

Ice & Snow Rule #1 – If you do not have to drive in the snow and ice, then don’t. Evaluate the situation and decide if you need to drive. Many functions of the University shut down during inclement weather and the work may be able to wait.

Ice & Snow Rule #2 – Evaluate the weather conditions. Often conditions will improve in the afternoon if you can wait. Check the weather to see if the snow will continue or let up.

Rule #3 – Evaluate your vehicle’s capability. A two (rear wheel) wheel drive vehicle like a small pickup or van will not do well in snow and ice. Four wheel drives can drive through snow easier but are still limited when it come to accelerating or stopping on ice. Front wheel drive sedans perform ok in the snow.

Automatic transmissions are less responsive than manual transmissions because the driver has less control over the flow of power to the wheels. With a manual transmission you can push in the clutch and cut the power to the wheels. You can also accelerate slower giving the tires more chance to grip. Unfortunately many people do not know how to drive manual transmissions anymore.

Inspect your vehicle to make sure that it is fit for winter weather driving. • Check the tire pressure and tread. • Fill the gas tank. • Check the windshield washer fluid.

Fish Tailing Too much power to a rear wheel drive vehicle will lead to “fish tailing” on a wet or icy road. Fish Tailing occurs when the rear of the vehicle swings from side to side with little or no control. Over correction by the driver leads to the sometimes violent swinging from side to side.

Fish Tailing If your vehicle starts to fish tail, let off the gas and use small corrections to the wheel to get your vehicle pointed forward.

Spinning Out When someone “spins out” the rear of the comes around can cause the vehicle to spin halfway around or in complete circles under certain circumstances. Driving to fast or braking too hard on curves often causes someone to spin out.

Accelerating Accelerating on ice and snow can be difficult especially if you are sitting on an incline. Accelerate slowly giving the tires a chance to grab traction. Keep you wheels pointed forward until you start to move before attempting to turn. Turning your wheels before you are moving will cause your wheels to spin.

Rule #4 – Consider your route of travel. • Sometimes a certain road will take you straight up a steep hill when a better option may be to take a longer way around using a less steep route. • Avoid stopping on a hill in the snow. If you see vehicles stopped ahead of you, slow down and give them time to clear before you get to an intersection.

Intersections Make sure other vehicles can come to a complete stop before you enter the intersection, even if you have the right of way.

Black Ice “Black Ice” is the layman’s term for clear ice on black asphalt that is almost impossible to see from a moving vehicle. Black ice is common in this area because day time temperatures will rise above 32 degrees F causing

Pedestrians in the Streets Often excessive snows will force pedestrians to walk in the streets. Sidewalks can be covered with plowed snow.

Getting Stuck & Then Unstuck • If you become stuck, make sure there are no vehicles coming before you try to exit your vehicle. • Turn on your 4 way flashers before you exit. • If you are calling someone to come pull you out, stand clear of the vehicle and other traffic.

Getting Stuck & Then Unstuck • If you are going to dig yourself out: • Try to identify which tire(s) do not have traction. • Dig under and around the tire. Look up often to see if there are any vehicles coming. • If you have any sand or salt, put it under the tire for traction. You may have to repeat this process several times to free yourself.

Following & Stopping Distances • Give yourself more following space. • If you are approaching a stop sign or light going down hill, apply your brakes well in advance of the intersection to make sure that you can stop before the sign/light. • Use an alternative route that avoids steep hills if possible.

Heavy Snow Heavy snows and ice can bring down power lines, tree limbs, entire trees and even buildings. Be aware of these obstacles especially if you get off the main roads onto access drives and sidewalks.

Emergency Kits Emergency kits are important for long trips or in remote areas but no but not as important for driving on campus. On campus you are generally within easy walking distance of a building even during the most severe weather.

Emergency Kits • What you should have: • Fully charged cell phone or radio. • An extra set of dry cloths including gloves, socks and shoes/boots. • Water bottle • Snacks (stores maybe closed) • Shovel (to dig yourself out)

Fog Dense fog can severely limit your ability to see when driving. Use your fog lights if your vehicle is equipped with them. DO NOT use your brights as it will limit your visibility and the visibility of those driving toward you.

Fog Never attempt to do a U-Turn in the fog. Instead, make a turn into a parking lot, preferably at a stop light and turn around.

High Water Do not attempt to cross running water that is more than a couple inches deep. Do not drive through water if you are unsure of the depth or cannot see the road. Do not cross bridges that have water flowing over them.

Hydroplaning Hydroplaning occurs when tires are not in contact with the road surface. A layer of water is between the tire and the road surface. Slowing down will generally eliminate hydroplaning.

Wind High winds can turn over a vehicle or force you out of your travel lane. High winds affect vehicles such as box trucks, work vans or other high sided vehicles more that your normal car and pickup. Slow down when driving a high profile vehicle.

THE END

Office of Risk Management