Be prepared for snow on the roads

Snow is in the forecast, and AAA is reminding drivers to be prepared.

“Law enforcement officers and AAA dispatchers have plenty of first-hand experience when it comes the first major winter storm,” said AAA Idaho spokesman Dave Carlson on Wednesday. “They know that motorists aren’t ready for it.”

A storm Thursday afternoon and evening could bring 1 to 3 inches of snow to the Snake River Plain and more in the mountains. For more on weather conditions in our area, click here.

AAA Idaho said snow, wind and slick roads can be especially hazardous in the first major storm, resulting in more slide-offs and rear-end collisions since many drivers are going too fast. The organization gave the following tips to drivers:

Slow down. The stopping distance is much longer on wet, snowy or icy conditions, regardless of vehicle type. Give yourself plenty of time to react. Most vehicles use anti-lock brakes systems which perform better in winter conditions, if properly used. If you have anti-lock brakes, use steady pressure, not rapid pumping.
Know your vehicle. Front-wheel drive vehicles generally perform better than rear-wheel drive vehicles because the weight of the engine is on the drive wheels, which improves traction. The back end of rear-wheel drive vehicles tends to slide from side to side during turns on icy roads. Four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles perform well in inclement weather, but drivers are overconfident and less aware of the limitations of other vehicles.
Don’t spin to get unstuck. Hard acceleration is not a good way to get unstuck, and actually can cause the tires to spin, digging your car deeper into the snow. In general, slower acceleration and a gentle rocking motion back and forth are more efficient. Having someone push the vehicle can help, but do not stand directly behind the wheels.
Stay informed. Have your route well planned. Keep a map handy. Go to 511.Idaho.gov for current travel and road conditions before you travel. The online site provides links to surrounding states. Check out video cameras of roads in eastern Idaho and western Wyoming here.
Carry a winter survival kit. Carry these items in your trunk: washer fluid, flashlight with batteries, flares, ice scraper, tool kit, flat fixer, medical kit, shovel, jumper cables, blanket, gloves, tire chains, traction mats, drinking water and extra clothes. Carry a cell phone and alert others where you’re going and when you plan to arrive.
Be prepared. Keep at least a half-tank of gas in your car. Check your fluid levels. Check the anti-freeze for a proper 50-50 mix of water and antifreeze. Inspect your tires for wear, and inflate them to the recommended level. Make sure your battery is charged and ready to go.
Stay clean. Before leaving home, scrape snow and ice off all the windows. Brush snow from hood and lights, too.
Pull together. Courtesy goes a long way. The last thing nervous or inexperienced drivers need is a hotshot weaving through traffic or tailgating slower vehicles.
Dress according to your destination. Dress in layers, and take the clothing you need for your final destination.