Advice for Winter Driving

In anticipation of the Thanksgiving holiday and a predicted wet winter, the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) is sharing this important message with travelers: drive safely and be prepared for inclement weather at all times.

Thanksgiving is one of the busiest travel times of the year with the likelihood of an increased number of vehicle crashes due in part to the influx of drivers on the roads. It also marks the unofficial start the winter driving season in California. Nationally in 2013, more than 300 people were killed in vehicle collisions on Thanksgiving weekend alone. With a bit of foresight and some careful planning, you can help eliminate the stress of typical holiday travel and enjoy this time of year as planned, giving thanks
alongside family and friends.

“Not only are the roads more crowded during the Thanksgiving holiday, but they can
be more dangerous,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “There’s no better time
than now to make sure that your car is in working order and that you are prepared for any
obstacles that you may face in your travels all winter.”

To help travelers stay safe, OTS recommends the following precautions:

• Make sure your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, anti-freeze, heater and lights are
  in top condition. Make sure your tires, including the spare, are properly inflated and the
  treads are in good condition.
• Visit www.storms.ca.gov ahead of
  any expected heavy storm during this El Niño season. Get the latest weather report and
  check quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ for
  current road conditions.
• Buckle seat belts, everybody, every trip. Wearing a seat belt is the best defense to
  prevent injury and death in a crash. That includes buckling children in properly installed
  child safety or booster seats.
• Remain alert. Constantly scan the road for brake lights in front of you.
• Part of being alert is to minimize distractions, like turning off or silencing your cell
  phone.
• If it’s raining hard, keep your vehicle in the middle lane, since water tends to
  pool in outside lanes.
• Turn on your headlights in rainy, foggy or overcast conditions. Use low beams in fog or
  snow.
• Do not use cruise control during wet or snowy road conditions. Cruise control can cause
  skidding and loss of tire traction in winter conditions.
• In rain or snow, first slow down, then increase the following distance between you and
  the car in front. Stopping distances can double in rain, triple in snow.
• Never drive through running water that could be deeper than the bottom of your vehicle.
• In the event you find yourself hydroplaning or skidding, remember the following:
  • Do not brake or turn suddenly. Take your foot off the gas until you slow enough to feel
    traction on the road again.
  • Turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid and as you recover control, gently
    straighten the wheels.
  • If you need to brake, use a light pumping action. If your vehicle has anti-lock brakes,
    then brake normally, because the vehicle’s computer will mimic a pumping action.
• Carry an emergency kit. Build your own with tips found at www.ots.ca.gov/roadsideemergencykit.asp
• Finally, don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs whether they be
  illicit or prescription. If you are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, always
  designate a sober driver.

By planning ahead and following these tips, you can help ensure that your Thanksgiving
holiday is a safe one. For more winter driving tips, visit www.OTS.ca.gov/OTS_and_Traffic_Safety/Traffic_Safety_Tips/winter_driving_tips.asp