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HomeNewsAAA says Motorists should be cautious during Winter Storms

AAA says Motorists should be cautious during Winter Storms

AAATampa, FL – Extremely cold weather is moving across the southeastern U.S. and AAA warns motorists to be careful and make sure their vehicles are prepared for an emergency.

According to data from the Federal Highway Administration, each year, 24 percent of weather-related vehicle crashes occur on snowy, slushy or icy pavement and 15 percent happen during snowfall or sleet.

1 out of 4 People Worry Their Vehicle Will Break Down or Will Not Start
1 out of 4 People Worry Their Vehicle Will Break Down or Will Not Start

“We see extreme cold weather cause dead batteries and dangerous road conditions,” said Don Lindsey, Public Affairs Director, AAA Tennessee. “Preparing your vehicle before inclement weather strikes, can mean the difference of arriving at your destination, being stuck on the side of the road, or possibly even being involved in a crash.”

According to a recent AAA Consumer Pulse™ survey of Tennessee Motorists’ habits during winter months:

  • 68% – Check tire pressure
  • 61% – Check tire tread
  • 54% – Keep a blanket in their vehicle
  • 50% – Get vehicle maintenance before winter
  • 34% – Test their battery

“AAA encourages Tennesseans to plan ahead, drive distraction free, and take time to prepare your vehicle for winter weather driving conditions. These steps can help ensure you stay safe in the elements,” said Lindsey.

Cold Weather Survival Tips:

  • Emergency road kit – Carry an emergency kit equipped for winter weather. Make sure to include the following items:
    • Charged cellular phone
    • Blankets
    • Food
    • Water
    • Medication
    • Ice scraper
    • Flashlight
    • Hats
    • Gloves
    • Sand or cat litter
  • Battery and charging system – Have the battery and charging system tested by a trained technician. A fully charged battery in good condition is required to start an engine in cold weather. For electric or hybrid-electric vehicles, several things can be done to minimize the drain on the batteries. If the vehicle has a thermal heating pack for the batteries, make sure your vehicle is plugged in whenever it is not in use. If the vehicle has a pre-heat function to warm the car interior, set it to warm the passenger compartment before you unplug it in the morning.
  • Engine hoses – Inspect cooling system hoses for leaks, cracks or loose clamps. Also, squeeze the hoses and replace any that are brittle or excessively spongy feeling.
  • Tire type and tread – In areas with heavy winter weather, installing snow tires on all four wheels will provide the best winter traction. All-season tires work well in light to moderate snow conditions provided they have adequate tread depth. Replace any tire that has less than 4/32-inches of tread (distance from a quarter’s edge to the top of Jefferson’s head). Uneven tire wear can indicate alignment, wheel balance or suspension problems that must be addressed to prevent further tire damage.
  • Tire pressure – Check tire inflation pressure more frequently in fall and winter. As the average temperature drops, so will tire pressures, typically by 1 PSI for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit. The proper tire pressure levels can be in the owner’s manual or on a sticker typically located on the driver’s side door jam. Also, check the spare.
  • Air filter – Check the engine air filter by holding it up to a 60-watt light bulb. If light can be seen through much of the filter, it is still clean enough to work effectively. However, if light is blocked, replace it.
  • Coolant levels – Check the coolant level in the overflow tank when the engine is cold. If the level is low, add a 50/50 solution of coolant and water to maintain the necessary antifreeze capability. Test the antifreeze protection level with an inexpensive tester.
  • Washer fluid – Fill the windshield washer fluid reservoir with a winter cleaning solution that has antifreeze components to prevent it from freezing.
  • Remember that trucks are heavier than cars – Trucks take longer to safely respond and come to a complete stop, so avoid cutting quickly in front of them.
  • Tips to stay safe while driving on Black Ice- AAA recommends staying off the roads. If driving cannot be avoided, reduce your speed, keep calm and do the following:
  • Drive slowly and smoothly. Avoid sudden hard acceleration, braking or steering.
  • With antilock brakes, use steady pressure – don’t pump. Pumping disables the antilock brakes and make a skid more likely.
  • Keep as much distance from other vehicles as possible.
  • Always wear the seat belt.

About the Survey

AAA Consumer PulseThe AAA Consumer Pulse™ Survey was conducted online among Tennessee residents from September 30th, 2015 – October 20th, 2015. A total of 400 residents completed the survey, with 386 driving during the fall and winter months. State results have a margin of error of ± 5.0 percentage points. Responses are weighted by gender and age to ensure reliable and accurate representation of the adult population (18+) in Tennessee.

About The Auto Club Group

AAAThe Auto Club Group (ACG) is the second largest AAA club in North America.  ACG and its affiliates provide membership, travel, insurance and financial services offerings to approximately 9 million members across 11 states and two U.S. territories including Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Michigan, Nebraska, North Dakota, Tennessee, Wisconsin, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands; most of Illinois and Minnesota; and a portion of Indiana.

ACG belongs to the national AAA federation with nearly 55 million members in the United States and Canada and whose mission includes protecting and advancing freedom of mobility and improving traffic safety.

 

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