BOSTON – As New England braces for the first severe winter storm of 2019, AAA Northeast is reminding drivers just how dangerous the roadways can be in these conditions.
The AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety reports that nearly half a million crashes and over 2,000 road deaths occur every year due to dangerous winter storms, inclement weather, and poor road conditions.
About 46-percent of all crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter.
A research report conducted by the AAA Foundation analyzed bad weather and crashes over a five-year period. The study found that the highest proportion of crashes involving bad weather happens overnight from 6:00 p.m. through 5:59 a.m., when visibility is limited and roads are most likely to freeze.
Previous AAA Foundation research has also found that the rates of fatal crashes are higher during the first snowfall of the year than on subsequent days with snow.
AAA encourages drivers to prepare for bad road conditions and remain vigilant behind the wheel while driving in these storms. AAA highly advises motorists to carry an emergency roadside kit in your vehicle.
“Winter weather is forecast for this weekend, and there are a disproportionate number of crashes this time of year involving bad weather and winter storms,” said Mary Maguire, Director of Public and Legislative Affairs at AAA Northeast.
“Snow and sleet can cause significant safety problems by reducing visibility and making it difficult to safely maneuver or stop, but by being vigilant behind the wheel, motorists can help to reduce the number of crashes and fatalities.”
AAA recommends the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions:
- Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
- Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
- Increase your following distance. Allow five to six seconds of following distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. This space allows you time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
- Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t pump the brakes.
- Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
- Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
- Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
“More than 40 percent of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle,” said Maguire.
“Drivers attempting to brave bad weather should remain cautious and always be prepared by packing an emergency roadside kit.”
AAA also recommends that drivers keep items inside of vehicle emergency kits for winter driving; including a mobile phone and car charger; a first-aid kit; blankets; drinking water and snacks for everyone in the car, including pets; a flashlight with extra batteries; rags, paper towels or pre-moistened wipes; a basic toolkit including duct tape and warning devices such as flares or reflectors; ice scraper/snow brush; jumper cables; traction aid such as sand, salt or non-clumping cat litter; and a shovel.
By TIM DUNN, CapeCod.com News Center
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