Safety office provides winter driving tips

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Armando A. Schwier-Morales
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  With the winds howling and the snow filling the roads, the 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety Office want to make sure Team McConnell members drive safely.

"When it comes to dealing with poor driving conditions, the best defense is to take it slow and plan ahead to give yourself extra time." said Lt. Col. Stan Lawrie, 22nd Air Refueling Wing Safety chief. "When we are in a hurry, we tend to make poor decisions, [such as] driving too fast, not leaving enough room between ourselves and the vehicle in front of us ... and perhaps even leaving the house without the proper attire."

To avoid serious accidents or getting stuck in the snow, the following steps are recommended:

· Reduce driving speed as weather conditions dictate
· Keep extra fuel with you
· Be wary of the shoulder of the road as deeper snow and ice can cause your vehicle to spin
· Do not brake to avoid ice patches
· Increase following distances between your vehicle and surrounding cars
· Don't be a "peephole" driver. Keep all windows completely clear
· Make sure all lights are free of snow and ice
· Make speed and directional changes gradually -- avoid sudden, jerky movements
· Watch for danger spots ahead. This includes other vehicles that may suddenly lose control
· Keep in mind that temperature affects traction. Ice is most slippery near the freezing point. Bridges and shady spots tend to ice over first
· Pay close attention to weather forecasts and law enforcement advisories

For more information on winter safety, Airmen can call the safety office at (316)759-3216 or (316)759-3217.