As Georgians head out to buy food, water and other needed supplies in advance of the snow predicted for parts of the state this weekend, they also need to make sure their vehicles are ready, according to the Governor's Office of Highway Safety.
"Regardless of what happens this weekend, this is a great time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter," Harris Blackwood, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety said. "That is much easier to do before the predicted snow and freezing rain arrives."
"Regardless of what happens this weekend, this is a great time to make sure your vehicle is ready for winter," Harris Blackwood, Director of the Governor's Office of Highway Safety said. "That is much easier to do before the predicted snow and freezing rain arrives."
Blackwood said the tread and air pressure in tires need to be checked along with windshield wipers and headlights.
An inexpensive gauge will tell motorists if the air pressure in their tires meets the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Checking the tire tread is also very easy by inserting a penny heads down between the treads. Replace the tire if Lincoln's head is visible.
Replace dried or frayed windshield wipers and check headlights by turning them on and walking around the vehicle. Position someone safely behind the vehicle who will be able to see if the brake lights are also working properly.
It is also a good idea to have an inexpensive scraper that will be able to scrape snow and ice off of the windshield and windows.
"Visibility is very poor when driving in the snow and properly working wipers and headlights will help drivers not only see the road but also help other drivers see them," Blackwood said. "Of course, the safest thing for everyone to do is to stay at home and not drive when it is snowing and when roads are covered with ice."
Those who do have to get out on the roads are asked to drive slowly and wear their seatbelts.
Other tips for driving in the snow are:
An inexpensive gauge will tell motorists if the air pressure in their tires meets the manufacturer's recommended guidelines. Checking the tire tread is also very easy by inserting a penny heads down between the treads. Replace the tire if Lincoln's head is visible.
Replace dried or frayed windshield wipers and check headlights by turning them on and walking around the vehicle. Position someone safely behind the vehicle who will be able to see if the brake lights are also working properly.
It is also a good idea to have an inexpensive scraper that will be able to scrape snow and ice off of the windshield and windows.
"Visibility is very poor when driving in the snow and properly working wipers and headlights will help drivers not only see the road but also help other drivers see them," Blackwood said. "Of course, the safest thing for everyone to do is to stay at home and not drive when it is snowing and when roads are covered with ice."
Those who do have to get out on the roads are asked to drive slowly and wear their seatbelts.
Other tips for driving in the snow are:
- Don't stop if you can avoid it.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly.
- Don't power up hills.
- Don't stop going up a hill
- Don't follow too closely - leave 8-10 seconds of space between your vehicle and the one traveling in front of you.
- Know your brakes.
Drivers can get the latest information on road conditions and any closings from the Georgia Department of Transportation at www.511.ga.org.
For more information about the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, go to gahighwaysafety.org or Facebook at Georgia GOHS and Twitter at gohsgeorgia.
For more information about the Governor's Office of Highway Safety, go to gahighwaysafety.org or Facebook at Georgia GOHS and Twitter at gohsgeorgia.
