Be prepared for winter!

Winter is almost here. Keep the following tips from What Every Driver Must Know in mind to make sure you and your vehicle are prepared for winter emergencies.

• Keep an emergency safety kit in your vehicle. Make sure to include jumper cables, mobile phone charger, shovel, tow rope, sand or kitty litter, flashlight and batteries, first-aid kit, emergency flares, battery operated radio, nonperishable food (energy bars and water), small tool kit (including duct tape), blanket and maps.
• Preventive maintenance prior to the winter season is the best way to ensure safe travel. Regularly check fluid levels such as power steering, brake, windshield washer and oil.
• Make sure the antifreeze is strong enough to prevent freezing of the engine and fresh enough to prevent rust. In cold weather, you may also want to change the windshield washer fluid to one containing an antifreezing agent.
• Leave extra time and drive more slowly when it is foggy, raining or snowing, and conditions are hazardous. Allow greater following distance in bad weather. In cold weather, bridges and overpasses freeze before the road does.

For more information, see page 35 of The Parent’s Supervised Driving Guide.

Never take risks at the railroad tracks

At railroad crossings, do not drive through, around or under any crossing gate while it is down, or being raised or lowered. Wait until the gates have raised, the signals have stopped flashing and you are sure all tracks are clear. 

At any crossing that does not have a signal or gate, slow down and look both ways. It can be fatal to ignore a signal or try to cross in front of a train. Trains take much longer to stop than automobiles – up to a mile in most cases. Be careful not to get "trapped" on railroad tracks by a line of vehicles backed up by a traffic signal. Never cross railroad tracks unless you are certain there is enough space for your vehicle beyond the tracks or the crossing gate.

When you drink alcohol or use other drugs and drive, you endanger your life as well as the lives of your passengers and other motorists. Don't do it. Michigan takes a strong stand against drivers who abuse substances and drive. Ruth Johnson Secretary of State

Keep your cool

Watch out for aggressive drivers. These drivers run stop signs and red lights, speed, tailgate, weave their vehicles in and out of traffic, pass on the right, and may make improper hand gestures.

They sometimes yell at you, honk their horns or flash their headlights. Essentially, they disregard their own safety and that of others. Report them to police if they are endangering you or others but don't return their aggressiveness.

Always remember safe driving is affected by your driving attitude and your ability to control your stress and anger..

Never hit and run

Drivers involved in a crash are required by law to render reasonable assistance in securing medical aid to any injured individual. 

Leaving the scene of a crash can result in criminal charges, years of imprisonment and thousands of dollars in fines. More importantly, it can make the difference as to whether a crash victim lives or dies.

Teaching tip for parents

After becoming proficient in basic driving skills, teens can become overconfident and begin to drive faster, follow other cars more closely, brake abruptly, etc.

Gently and continuously remind your teen to stay three seconds back from other cars in normal conditions and always drive with caution.

Information excerpted from The Parent's Supervised Driving Guide, a helpful resource for families with young drivers.