Winter driving tips

Tumwater and Lacey are offering tips for driving in snow and ice this winter.

The Tumwater website has listed several suggestions for driving safely during these times when the cold weather brings about several factors that may affect safety while driving, based on the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT).

• Clear all windows, and do not start driving until your windows are defrosted.
• Unattended vehicles with their engines running make prime targets for thieves.
• If it is snowing, turn on your headlights – this helps other drivers see you.
• Slow down so you are able to maintain control of your vehicle at all times.
• Make sure all occupants are wearing their seatbelt.
• Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles do not stop or steer better in icy conditions. Slow down and give yourself plenty of room.
• Keep a safe distance from, and do not pass, any snow plow and/or sanding truck.
• If you get stuck, activate your emergency hazard lights, and remain in your vehicle; you are safer there than outside of your vehicle.  If you must exit the vehicle, check for other traffic and then stand a safe distance away.

Lacey also has tips on its city website.

• On ice and snow – take it slow.
• Drive for conditions―use slower speeds, acceleration, steering, and braking.
• Leave early for work and allow extra time for your commute.
• Use your headlights.
• Don’t use cruise control.
• Four- and all-wheel drive vehicles will not stop or steer better in icy conditions than two-wheel drive vehicles.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, big trucks take longer to stop.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, or shady spots.
• Slow down around chain-up areas or where pedestrians may be present.
• If traffic signals are out, treat intersection as a four-way stop.
• Stay informed with Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) updates on what’s happening on highways across the state, and download WSDOT’s Winter Driving Guide.

Meanwhile, WSDOT also offers some driving tips.

• Check statewide pass conditions online before heading out or planning trips.
  Drive for conditions: slower speeds, slower acceleration, leave extra space between vehicles, give yourself more time and space to stop.
  Check to see if you have traction tires & chains.
  Know what the traction & chain requirements mean.
  Watch a video to learn how to install tire chains.
• Do not use cruise control.
• Four-wheel and all-wheel vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance.
  Slow down when approaching intersections, offramps, bridges, or shady spots.
• If you find yourself behind a snowplow, slow down and give the plow a little extra room.
• Slow down and be extra cautious near the chain-up and removal areas. There are often people out of their vehicles.