General Winter Driving Tips

Full winter driving tip sheet from the Iowa department of transportation

– For road conditions in Iowa: call 511 or go to the Iowa Road Conditions Web site

– Check the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on a trip. Check your local media, call the road condition number or go online for information on the Internet. If conditions are expected to be less than ideal, you may want to postpone a discretionary trip or use more caution if the trip cannot be delayed.

– Always maintain a reasonable speed and safe following distance from the vehicle in front of you. Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances and reduced visibility.

– Drive below the posted speed limit when road conditions are less than ideal — speed limits are intended for normal pavement conditions.

– Turn on lights to see and be seen. Keep head and tail lights clear of snow.

– Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions. You need to be in control of when your car accelerates based on road conditions — don’t let the cruise control make a bad decision for you.

– If your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes, understand how to use them and what to expect when the anti-lock feature is activated.

– Don’t drive through “white out” conditions. Be patient, wait it out and travel safely.

– Be aware that ramps, bridges and overpasses may occasionally freeze before other roadway segments.

– Information from the Iowa department of transportation Web site.

How to accelerate in winter weather

How to brake in winter weather

Suggestions for a “winter survival kit”

– Booster cables

– Blankets and/or sleeping bags

– Candles and matches

– Snow shovel and ice scraper

– Extra clothing – cap, mittens, parka and overshoes

– High-calorie, nonperishable food like candy and canned nuts

– Sand or strips of carpet for traction

– Flashlight and extra batteries

– First-aid kit

– Bottled water

Information from the Iowa department of transportation Web site