BAD WEATHER DRIVING 

The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents. Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter driving.

 Listen to the Weather Report before heading out.,
Be aware of possible weather changes before driving.,
Check the weather before you leave.

Here are the most common Winter Weather Terms-
  Winter Storm Warning: Issued when hazardous winter weather in the form of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is imminent or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the event is expected to begin.
  Winter Storm Watch: Alerts the public to the possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet. Winter Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
  Winter Storm Outlook: Issued prior to a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when forecasters believe winter storm conditions are possible and are usually issued 3 to 5 days in advance of a winter storm.
  Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities at or below ¼ mile; these conditions should persist for at least three hours.
  Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is imminent or occurring.
  Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be hazardous to life within several minutes of exposure.
  Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to be a significant inconvenience to life with prolonged exposure, and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to hazardous exposure.
  Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause significant inconveniences and, if caution is not exercised, could lead to life-threatening situations.
  Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less over a widespread area.
  Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
  Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
  Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
  Blowing Snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
  Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
  Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

Winter Weather Terms
  Winter Storm Warning: Issued when dangerous weather such as heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is about to happen or occurring. Winter Storm Warnings are usually issued 12 to 24 hours before the weather is expected to begin.
  Winter Storm Watch: The possibility of a blizzard, heavy snow, heavy freezing rain, or heavy sleet is in the weather outlook. These Storm Watches are usually issued 12 to 48 hours before the beginning of a Winter Storm.
  Winter Storm Outlook: Issued preceding a Winter Storm Watch. The Outlook is given when meteorologists believe circumstances can create a storm and are normally issued 3 to 5 days in advance.
  Blizzard Warning: Issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 mph or more, and falling or blowing snow limits visibility to one quarter mile or less; this situation should last for at least three hours.
  Lake Effect Snow Warning: Issued when heavy lake effect snow is pending or occurring.
  Wind Chill Warning: Issued when wind chill temperatures are anticipated to be perilous to life within several minutes of exposure.
  Wind Chill Advisory: Issued when wind chill temperatures are expected to cause considerable difficulty to life with protracted exposure, and, if care is not taken could lead to life threatening exposure.
  Winter Weather Advisories: Issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle, and sleet which will cause considerable problems and, could lead to critical situations.
  Dense Fog Advisory: Issued when fog will reduce visibility to ¼ mile or less over a widespread area.
  Snow Flurries: Light snow falling for short durations. No accumulation or light dusting is all that is expected.
  Snow Showers: Snow falling at varying intensities for brief periods of time. Some accumulation is possible.
  Snow Squalls: Brief, intense snow showers accompanied by strong, gusty winds. Accumulation may be significant. Snow squalls are best known in the Great Lakes region.
  Blowing Snow: Wind-driven snow that reduces visibility and causes significant drifting. Blowing snow may be snow that is falling and/or loose snow on the ground picked up by the wind.
  Sleet: Rain drops that freeze into ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet usually bounces when hitting a surface and does not stick to objects. However, it can accumulate like snow and cause a hazard to motorists.
  Freezing Rain: Rain that falls onto a surface with a temperature below freezing. This causes it to freeze to surfaces, such as trees, cars, and roads, forming a coating or glaze of ice. Even small accumulations of ice can cause a significant hazard.

BEFORE LEAVING
  Have a mechanic check the following items on your car.
  - Battery
  - Antifreeze
  - Wipers and windshield washer fluid
  - Ignition system
  - Thermostat
  - Lights
  - Flashing hazard lights
  - Exhaust system
  - Heater
  - Brakes
  - Defroster
  - Oil level (if necessary, replace existing oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight variety)
  Install good winter tires.
  Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
  Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.
  Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
  Plan long trips carefully.
  Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if possible, take at least one other person.
  If you must go out during a winter storm, use public transportation.
  Dress warmly.
  Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
  Carry food and water.
  Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several bottles of water.
  Contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving. 
 

WINTER CAR KIT
  Keep these items in your car:
  - Flashlights with extra batteries
  - First aid kit with pocket knife
  - Necessary medications
  - Several blankets
  - Sleeping bags
  - Extra newspapers for insulation
  - Plastic bags (for sanitation)
  - Matches
  - Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
  - Rain gear and extra clothes
  - Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
  - Small shovel
  - Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
  - Booster cables
  - Set of tire chains or traction mats
  - Cards, games, and puzzles
  - Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
  - Canned fruit and nuts
  - Nonelectric can opener
  - Bottled water 

  IF TRAPPED IN CAR DURING A BLIZZARD
  Stay in the car.
  Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost is blowing and drifting snow.
  Display a trouble sign.
  Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.
  Occasionally run engine to keep warm.
  Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running.
  BEWARE OF CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
  Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
  Do minor exercises to keep up circulation.
  Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
  For warmth, huddle together.
  Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
  Avoid overexertion.
  Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.

RECCOMENDED RESOURCES:

FEMA  http://www.fema.gov/hazard/winter/wi_during.shtm
Colorado Department of Transportation  http://www.cotrip.org/winterdriving/drivingtips.htm
West Virginia Department of Transportation http://www.wvdot.com/6_motorists/6d_winterdriving.htm