Page 13 - AAA Shelby County – AAA Now! – January/February 2017

autoMotive services
Winterworries
If you’re anything like me, I try to avoid driving in the snow at all cost. However, there are times you have to make the trek out in the snow and ice. With winter season among us, I thought it was helpful to have these reminders about driving in these conditions.
Tips for driving in the snow and ice:
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow- covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes (ABS) and need to slow down quickly, press hard on
the pedal – it’s normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. In cars without ABS, use “threshold” breaking, keeping your heel on the floorboard and using the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid
it. There’s a big
difference in the amount
of inertia it takes to start
moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.
Visit AAA’s YouTube page for more videos on winter driving tips.
WInTER WORRIEs wORD SEARCh
CAUTION CONDITIONS FREEZING FROZEN ICE PIPES
ROAD SLIPPERY SNOW WINTER
Shelby County Driving School 2017 Classroom Schedule
Learn to drive with the leader in driving safety! Classes are taught by state-certified instructors with experience in working with young people.
sIDnEy
February 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22, 23 March 6, 7, 8, 9, 13, 14, 15, 16
April 24, 25, 26, 27, May 1, 2, 3, 4 May30,31,June1,2,5,6,7,8
VERsAIllEs
January 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31, February 1, 2 May30,31,June1,2,5,6,7,8
MInsTER
February 27, 28, March 2, 6, 7, 9, 13, 14 May 25, 26, 30, 31, June 1, 2, 6, 7
5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
3:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 9:00a.m.-12:00p.m.
5:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
AAA Members receive a $30.00 discount on tuition and the student will receive a one-year membership for FREE! Call today for prices and complete details.
937-492-3167
january/february 2017
13