Driving safely, maintaining your vehicle, and keeping a well-stocked winter safety kit are important during cold weather. Consider the following winter safety tips:
- Check the weather forecast and plan your route before operating a vehicle.
- Inspect, service, or replace wiper blades and batteries as necessary. Maintain the manufacturer’s recommended tire pressure and replace worn tires.
- Clean, restore, or replace oxidized headlights and replace inoperable bulbs.
- Use deicing windshield wiper fluid and maintain appropriate antifreeze, oil, and fuel levels.
- Remove frost, ice, or snow from the windshield, windows, and exterior mirrors before moving vehicle.
- Set the parking brake before exiting a running vehicle.
- Do not use cell phones while driving.
- Slow down and increase following distance.
- Ask a passenger or coworker to act as a guide in congested or reduced visibility areas.
If you are stopped or stalled in cold weather:
- Be aware of surroundings and navigate your vehicle to a safe location, if possible.
- Use reflective or lighted markers to make your vehicle visible.
- Stay in your vehicle if safe to do so.
- Don’t run your vehicle for long periods of time when parked and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or debris to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Additional guidance for safe vehicle operations can be found in PROC-EH-2020, Safe Use of Vehicles. As a group, identify:
- At least eight items that should be in your winter vehicle safety kit.
- Two things that should be adjusted to fit the driver before moving a vehicle.