Take extra caution on the roads Tuesday, Wednesday

5 months 12 days 16 hours ago |395 Views | | | Email | Print

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — As snowy and icy conditions are expected to hit the Carolinas through Wednesday, AAA Carolinas advises travelers to carefully monitor weather forecasts, listen to authorities’ recommendations and avoid unnecessary travel. If you must travel, AAA Carolinas offers tips for driving in winter weather and preparing your vehicle for winter travel below.

Winter driving tips:

Increase your following distance 8-10 seconds. On dry pavement at 20 mph it takes about 20 feet to stop. On ice-covered roads, it takes 145 feet to stop - seven times further. Keep your speed appropriate to the needed stopping distance.

Brake gradually with steady pressure on the brake. If you begin to skid, steer in the direction you want to go. If you have anti-lock brakes, keep the brake firmly engaged; if you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently depress the brake pedal. Don’t slam on your brakes; it can cause you to lose control. If the brakes lock, release the brake and gently brake again while keeping your heel on the floor.



Avoid using cruise control in rainy, slick or snowy conditions. You may need to quickly reduce your speed by lifting off the accelerator, which cannot be easily accomplished when cruise control is engaged. Additionally, in low-traction conditions, a car going into a skid may trigger the cruise control to apply more acceleration to the wheels making it harder to recover from the skid.


Accelerate slowly. Press gently on the accelerator and use a higher (second or third) gear when first getting started. Traction is greatest right before the wheels start to spin. Keep in mind that roads are the slickest during the first 15 minutes of a rain shower.

Slow down sooner and gradually when approaching an intersection to allow yourself more time to react. Watch out for polished or packed snow at stoplights or intersections, which can make halting more treacherous. Heavy-footed drivers also spin their tires when starting, which worsens the problem. If possible, stop or start safely on a slightly different line. Fresh snow or less polished areas almost always offer better traction.

Keep your lights on. Using your headlights improves visibility, both yours and other drivers. Many states, North and South Carolina included, require your headlights to be on when your windshield wipers are in use.

Winter preparation tips:








During winter weather conditions, AAA’s emergency road service may be slower than usual or limited to circumstances where someone is in imminent danger. Drivers are advised to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary.


comments powered by Disqus


Sponsored By:

Local Gas Prices

Lowest Gas Prices in Newberry
Newberry Gas Prices provided by

Featured Business