Drivers deal with snow in downtown Sonora

Getting Ready: Vehicle and Tires

If you must drive in inclement weather, preparing for the worst will go a long way to relieve stress and keep you safe. The CHP’s Mike Remmel offers a few tips.

Have fluids, lights and wipers serviced, and ensure tire tread is adequate. The simple penny-measuring trick works: “If it hits Lincoln’s head, it’s enough tread.” If it doesn’t, get new tires.

Choose the correct type of traction device. “Chains are extremely difficult to put on,” Remmel says. “My suggestion is studded tires, which work fantastic in the snow and better than chains in ice.” They are allowed from November 1 to April 30.

If chains are used, Remmel suggests installing them before you encounter snow, not after. Local tire stores charge a fee for installation. If installing them yourself, know if your vehicle is front-, rear- or all-wheel drive, since chains must be installed on the drive wheels.

“You’d be surprised how many people we find in the snow bank because they put the chains on the wrong tires,” Remmel says.

Travel later in the day when it’s warmer, and allow more time to get there. Slow down in storms. “The safe speed might be slower than the posted speed.”

On the Road: Driving Tips

Keep your car’s gas tank full in case of road closures or delays, advises the American Red Cross. Carry what the CHP calls a Go Kit, with food, water, blankets, extra clothing, flashlight and batteries, battery-powered radio, a charged cell phone and medication.

Let someone know your destination, route, and arrival time, important in areas with limited cell phone service. By sharing trip details in advance, “then if we get a call someone didn’t arrive, we can search certain roads, rather than randomly,” Remmel says.

Remmel notes that there is only one emergency roadside phone in Tuolumne County: the lone 911 call box at the Groveland Fire Station on Highway 120.

Having four-wheel or all-wheel drive improves traction but doesn’t help stop your vehicle. Don’t use cruise control in snow or wet road conditions. If you begin to slide while driving on snow or ice, don’t panic.

“Slowly take your foot off the gas pedal and allow the vehicle to roll,” says Remmel. “Steer your vehicle in the direction of the slide. Most vehicles today have anti-lock (ABS) brakes. In that case, apply steady gentle pressure without pumping.”

No matter the time of day, turn on your headlights when driving in rain or falling snow. “And keep your window open a crack,” Remmel says, to reduce interior fogging.

If You’re Stranded

Tips from the DMV, American Red Cross, and Federal Emergency Management Agency:

Move your vehicle safely off the road onto a shoulder, if possible. Turn on your car’s flashers, hang a help sign or prop up the hood. If you don’t have cell service, wait for law enforcement or a tow truck.

Stay with the car, the Red Cross advises: Don’t try to walk a long distance for help. Cold weather puts added strain on the heart, and unaccustomed exercise such as pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse.

Use your car’s heater for about 10 minutes every hour and keep the exhaust pipe clear so fumes won’t back up in the car. Keep one window slightly open to let in air, warns FEMA. If more than one person is in the car, huddle together for warmth but take turns sleeping.

© 2009, Friends and Neighbors Magazine