Safety-gram : title 45, chapter 1, 12/2011 v.12 no.12

              Oklahoma Department of Mines
Safety-Gram
Title 45, Chapter 1
DECEMBER 2011 Volume 12, Number 12
HAZARDS AND TIPS
 Ice, snow, and water on road surfaces reduce traction, increasing stopping distance, and could possibly result in a skid. Remember it takes more distance to stop on an icy road than it does on a dry road. Remember to keep a safe distance between you and the car in front of you to give yourself enough time to stop safely.
 Black ice is a thin, invisible layer of frost on the pavement which commonly occurs on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. The surface of the road sometimes just looks wet, when in reality it is a thin sheet of ice. You should be aware for it on all road surfaces.
 Snow, rain, and fog decrease visibility drastically in winter conditions.
 As the temperature rises to the melting point, roads become even more slippery than they are in severely cold weather. The traffic polishes the ice and snow pack on the road surface and the roads become slick.
 Vehicle breakdown under winter conditions can be life threatening because of the freezing weather and the possibility of chain reaction collisions.
 Prepare your vehicle. Clear all snow from your car’s windows, lights, license plates, and roof. Snow blowing from the roof of your car is a visibility hazard to the driver behind you.
 Carry a winter survival kit, especially on long trips. Include matches, candles, flashlight, ice scraper, warm clothes, emergency blankets, food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
 Back off. Have patience and give people more lead-time, especially if there’s snow on the road. If you go into a skid, take your foot off the gas, steer into the skid, and regain control. If you have to stop right away, pump your brakes (do not slam on them). If your car has anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.
 Do not sit in a parked car with the engine running unless the window is partially rolled down.
 If available, keep a charged cell phone on hand for emergencies.