Tips for safely driving on icy roads

ATLANTA - With the state facing a winter storm Sunday night and Monday, the Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) Sunday night issued a list of tips for safely driving on icy roads.<br /> <br /> 1. If you don't have to go out during hazardous weather conditions, then stay home. <br /> <br /> 2. If you do have to drive, give it your full concentration. This is no time for distracted drivers with a cell phone in one hand and hot coffee in the other. Drive cautiously with both hands on the wheel. Two-fisted drivers are ready for the unexpected when steering becomes a challenge. <br /> <br /> 3. Slow down. Driving too fast for conditions is what gets too many drivers in trouble when they hit those unseen pockets of icy road. Plan ahead to give yourself plenty of time to reach your destination. Plan on delays. Plan to be patient. <br /> <br /> 4. Don't tailgate or follow too close. Avoid "grouping-up" with a pack of other vehicles, especially at higher speeds. This may help you to avoid chain reaction crashes. <br /> <br /> 5. Don't use cruise control when driving on ice, snow, or sleet. Cruise control is designed for normal driving conditions. But slippery roads can cause wheel-spin and loss of control when you're locked in cruise control. <br /> <br /> 6. Don't panic. Don't slam on the brakes. If you find yourself sliding or losing control, take your foot off the gas and resist the temptation to slam on the brakes. Sudden braking will only eliminate what little traction you have. <br /> <br /> 7. Even the most experienced drivers are at the mercy of the ice if they start to spin. If you're already driving slowly, spin outs aren't as deadly or as terrifying. Experienced road Troopers at the Georgia State Patrol advise to steer in the direction of the spin until the vehicle comes to a stop. <br /> <br /> 8. If you are stranded during a severe weather episode, it can take emergency services a while to get to you because of the increased number of severe incidents and remember, responders have to drive on those icy roads, too. You should have at least a half tank of gasoline when you start out, carry a freshly charged cell phone, pack warm clothes and a blanket, and have a working flashlight in your. <br /> <br /> For more "Winter Driving Tips" see AAA's "Get A Grip" and "How to Go On Ice and Snow" at http://www.aaapublicaffairs.com/Main/Default.asp?CategoryID=3&SubCategoryID=55<br /> <br /> <I>(Our thanks to officer Kevin Holbrook with the Gainesville Police Department for sharing these tips.)<I><br />