Safe driving ensures a happy holiday for all

  • Published
  • By Airman Leah Young
  • 62nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
MCCHORD FIELD, JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Airmen here experienced the first snowfall of the season Nov. 22 when more than two inches of snow fell on the base. On that day alone, according to The Washington State Patrol, King County troopers responded to 305 collisions and 405 disabled vehicles.

As Airmen and their families begin to travel for the holiday season, it is important to keep in mind proper winter driving procedures to ensure a safe arrival and return to duty.

Driving in hazardous areas during the long winter months can be quite a challenge, especially for the unprepared. Learning what to do in these situations will help to lessen drivers' chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident.

"Your vehicle needs to be properly maintained at all times," said Ken Heath, 62nd Airlift Wing Ground Safety Chief. "Have your vehicle prepared before winter even gets here."

Suggested routine vehicle maintenance includes an engine tune-up, checking the lights to ensure they're in good functioning order, having the brakes adjusted, ensuring sufficient antifreeze fluid and switching to winter weight oil.

Other precautions are ensuring wiper blades function properly, checking the battery and voltage regulator, changing the oil and thoroughly checking the filters.

After vehicle preparation, Mr. Heath emphasizes the importance of only making a trip if it's absolutely vital. He recommends that you don't make any unnecessary trips to avoid possible winter driving hazards.

"If you absolutely need to make a trip, make sure you're dressed properly," said Mr. Heath. "Before you leave the house, ask yourself 'If my car broke down and I had to walk to get help, would I be warm enough?'"

Layering your clothes is very important, added Mr. Heath. To properly prepare for the winter temperatures, he suggests including a hat, gloves, scarf, boots, sweater and thick socks as part of the outfit.

Along with ensuring vehicle reliability and dressing in proper winter clothing, 'just in case' items need to be kept inside vehicles at all times to use in the event of a motor vehicle accident or emergency.

According to Air Force Space Command Headquarters, the following items should be kept inside vehicles at all times during the winter months as part of vehicle safety kits: flash lights and extra batteries, jumper cables, tire chains, road flares, a can of fix-a-flat, ice scraper, some basic hand tools, spare fuses, a clean towel or rag, a wool blanket, spare gloves or mittens, matches, candles, empty soup can, trail mix and a first aid kit.

Extras include a foldable shovel, a compass, a signal whistle, Meals Ready to Eat (MREs), a tow rope, an extra jacket, a wool cap, wool socks and chemical hand warmers.

"As the temperature drops at night, the thin layer of rain on the roads freezes," said Tom Walsh, JBLM Safety Center Safety Specialist. "The frozen rain looks just like a wet road. Drivers need to be prepared for anything."

AFSPC officials suggest when a storm is predicted, to stay tuned for storm warnings by listening to local radio and television stations.

Before heading out of JBLM for holiday travel, Mr. Walsh reminds drivers to listen to AM 1500 radio. He also suggests visiting the Washington State Department of Transportation web site at http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/traffic/ or dialing 511 for the most current traffic weather updates.

As Airmen and their families travel to spend time with friends loved ones, driving slowly, planning ahead and staying vigilant will help ensure a happy holiday season and a safe return to duty for all!