Be prepared for winter driving Published Dec. 21, 2015 92nd Civil Engineer Squadron FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- It's December, and winter is here in full force. Weather conditions in the Northwest can be not only cold and dangerous, but also unpredictable. A few precautions can help your winter-driving experience be the best it can be. One of the best pieces of advice is this: SLOW DOWN! Many accidents this time of year can be avoided simply by driving as conditions warrant - and that might even mean driving significantly slower than the posted speed limit. However, not even slowing down or having the proper equipment (studded tires, chains, etc.) can prevent all mishaps. If you find yourself stranded, stuck or off the roadway, be sure to avoid becoming a casualty. Make sure you used your hazard lights as appropriate, and ensure it's safe to exit your vehicle if/when necessary. It's a good idea to let someone know where you're traveling in bad weather, as well as the route you plan to take. Try to stay on well-maintained roads such as the freeway or major arterials as much as possible. It may just be as well that traveling should be avoided if at all possible. When you do drive, think about having the following with you as a minimum: - Flashlight, first aid kit, bottled water, and non-perishable food snacks - Jumper cables, flares, and tools - As a minimum have extra clothing such as, socks, gloves, hoodie, blanket and a brightly colored towel. Here are some more tips: Preparing for Winter Driving Some important steps include: having your vehicle tuned up before driving on winter roads; testing the brakes, battery and exhaust system; checking fluid levels, adding antifreeze and switching to winter-weight oil. Be sure to put snow tires on and carry emergency equipment. Emergency equipment should include sand or kitty litter, salt, a shovel, chains, a snow scraper or brush, booster cables, blankets and a flashlight. Skids The primary problem faced by winter drivers is skidding on slick or icy roadways. If your car should skid, do not brake. Instead, take your foot off the accelerator and turn your car in the direction that you want the front wheels to go. Use gentle, steady motions when turning the steering wheel. Turning too much or too fast can worsen the situation. If for any reason you are unable to gain control of your car, try steering into a snow bank to stop your vehicle. Getting Stuck If you find yourself stuck, here are some things to try. Do not continue to spin the wheels; it will only make things worse. Pour sand, salt or gravel around the drive wheels to give them something to grab onto and improve traction. Also, shovel snow away from the wheels and out from under the car to clear a pathway. Hazardous Driving Conditions When driving conditions are less than ideal, it pays to be cautious. Drive slowly, test your brakes often and never tailgate. Turn on your lights and make sure that windshields (front and rear) are clear and that wipers and defrosters are in good working condition. Use low gears when traveling on slick surfaces (especially hills) for added traction. Listen to weather forecasts, and if weather and visibility are hazardous, stay at home. Many hazardous driving conditions cannot be avoided, but knowing what to do may prevent an accident and save a life. For highway information in Washington State, including mountain pass information, visit http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ or call 511 or 1-800-695-7623 (ROAD). For more information on preparedness and weather conditions visit www.ready.gov and www.weather.gov. For base road and reporting updates, call the base snow line at (509) 247-5100 Editor's Note: Parts of this story were contributed by Mark Rupert, 92nd Air Refueling Wing ground safety manager.