BOISE – Snow, sleet and ice can make the roads especially dangerous this time of year. AAA is sharing important safety tips to navigate the chilly days ahead.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says that in 2023, there were 320 fatal crashes and more than 22,000 injury crashes nationwide when snow and ice were present.
“People tend to drive at slower speeds during the winter months, but that’s only one part of the recipe,” says AAA Idaho public affairs director Matthew Conde. “Whether you’re running holiday errands or simply participating in your regular commute, there are so many things you can do to reduce the risk of a crash.”
- Watch for ice on curves, hills, bridges, and shaded areas of the roadway.
- Keep in mind that snow and ice may be present at different times of the day and at different elevations.
- If it’s been a while since you’ve driven on snow and ice, or if you’re using a different vehicle than before, get some practice in a large, empty parking lot.
- Always clear all snow and ice from your hood, roof, windows, headlights, and brake lights.
- Never pour hot water on an icy windshield. The thermal shock could crack it.
- Never pass a snow plow on the right.
- Dress in layers, not bulky coats, for freedom of movement behind the wheel.
- Avoid aggressive accelerating, braking, and turns that can create loss of traction.
- Winter emergency kit items may include an ice scraper, a bag of sand or kitty litter, a collapsible shovel, a broom, an old towel or tarp, a bag of kitty litter, and an emergency blanket.
- Never blindly follow your GPS. If the road doesn’t look maintained, turn around or wait for conditions to improve.
For more information, visit AAA’s website at AAA.com/winterprep.