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Be Aware:
- During the day, ice and snow melt. Then as temperatures fall again, melted
ice and snow re-freeze on the roadways.
- Spring Ahead! - Into Daylight Saving Time. Advancing the clock forward
affects your body's internal clock. You are likely to be fatigued until your
body has adjusted to the time change. Crashes due to drowsiness are more
numerous during the first weeks after the time change.
- As warmer weather approaches, more people will be outdoors. Children will be
playing in yards and parks and may be near the street. Watch carefully for
them when you are driving. Bicyclists, in-line skaters and pedestrians will
be using the sides of the road. Motorcycles will be back on the road.
- For additional safe driving tips, visit the New York State Governor’s
Traffic Safety Committee Web site: www.nysgtsc.state.ny.us
Be prepared for possible tornadoes if you are in a car:
- Never try to out drive a tornado in a car or truck. Tornadoes can change
directions quickly and can lift a car or truck and toss it through the air
- Get out of the car immediately and take shelter in a nearby building.
- If there is no time to get indoors, get out of the car and lie in a ditch or
low-lying area away from the vehicle.
- Always have the disaster supplies on hand such as flashlight and extra
batteries; portable, battery operated radio with extra batteries; emergency
food and water; first aid kit.
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Summer storms often bring dangerous lightning and heavy winds.
If caught outside:
- Find shelter in a building. If a building is not nearby, a hardtop car is
fine.
- Keep car windows closed.
- If possible, go to a low lying open place away from trees, poles or metal
objects.
- Do not go to a place that could fill with flood waters.
- If you are stuck in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees.
- Get as low to the ground as possible.
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Be Aware:
- Wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. If it’s been raining, watch for
patches of wet leaves in the road.
- Watch for deer. In some rural areas, fall is hunting season. Many more deer
will be crossing roadways.
- Time to "fall back," not asleep. On the fourth Sunday in October, clocks are
turned back one hour. That change affects your body’s internal clock.
Crashes due to drowsy drivers are more frequent during the first weeks after
the time change. You are likely to be fatigued until your body has adjusted
to the time change. You may be commuting in the dark more frequently, which
you haven’t done in six months.
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Be Prepared:
Automobile Checks Before Snow Arrives
- Battery antifreeze (it should test 35 below zero in northern climates)
- Wipers and windshield washer fluid (keep an extra bottle in
your trunk)
- Heater & defroster
- Hoses, belts & brakes
- Lights: high/low beams, turn signals, brakes, hazards. (Keep lights clean)
- Spare tire & jack
- Tires (good tread is important)
- Maintain at least 1/4 tank of gas. (Low fuel can create condensation and
fuel line freeze-up).
- Scrape and defrost windows before pulling onto the road. Clearing snow and
ice from your entire vehicle allows you better visibility and eliminates
flying snow that could cause additional obstacles for other motorists.
- Keep all tires (including spare) properly inflated.
Winter Driving Tips:
- Slow down (allow 2 to 3 times the normal distance between you and the car in
front of you).
- Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze before other road surfaces.
- Beware of "black ice".
If you become stuck or stranded on winter roads:
- Remember, stay with your car. DO NOT try to walk to safety.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your car antenna.
- Start the car and use the heater ten minutes of every hour.
- Keep exhaust pipe clear so fumes will not back up into car.
- Keep one window (away from wind) slightly open to let air in.
- Be sure to remove snow from roof.
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