CEO Letter Winter 2019

The new year is time for renewal. The calendar resets and we establish new goals and expectations for the year ahead. Along with the new year comes the laborious challenge of operating our vehicles in the harsh winter conditions. Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous. Below are some recommendations from AAA to help guide you through the season:

AAA recommends the following winter driving tips:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to a drive or before driving in isolated areas. Delay trips when severe weather is expected. If you must leave, let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having it inspected by a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility.
• Program you cell phone with your local AAA road service number, plus store blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed medication in your vehicle.
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
• Place a bright cloth at the top of a rolled-up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on. It uses a small amount of electricity and makes it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• Use whatever is available, floor mats, newspapers or paper maps to insulate your body.
• Run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, enjoy the snow from the comfort of your home.

When you take to the road this winter, whether your daily commute or an extended road trip, please take the necessary steps to properly prepare your vehicle and exercise caution while driving. Your safety and the safety of others may depend on it.

Wishing you a safe, happy and healthy new year!