The winter weather season is in full effect.
Here are a few inclement weather driving tips courtesy of Illinois State Police District 8:
-Limit cruise control use to dry surfaces
-If traction is lost, gradually slow down but do not slam on the breaks
-Use caution when driving on bridges & ramps (because frost forms on these surfaces first)
-Be careful when approaching shaded areas (these are the last places for ice & snow to melt)
If you haven't assembled a winter road kit, the time to assemble should be right now!
Here are the following items that you should keep in your vehicle:
-Tools: including jack, lug wrench, ice scraper, flashlight (with new batteries), first aid kit, and jumper cables
-Nourishment: including bottled water and nonperishable food
-Protection: including extra warm clothes, boots, hats, gloves, and blanket/sleeping bags
Communication: including a spare cellphone (with car charger) and a brightly colored cloth or flag to tie to an antenna when stranded
Have you checked on your windshield wipers, tires, gas, etc.? Here are a few vehicle checkpoints that you should not ignore for this winter season:
-Check tread on tires
-Check windshield wipers for cracks of wear
-Fill windshield fluid reservoir
-Keep gas tank at least half full; this prevents fuel line from freezing. Stranded drivers can run engine to maintain heat
-Check headlamps
If you are planning a trip in-state, here is some information to help just in case you happen to travel:
-Illinois Department Of Transportation (IDOT) winter road condition hotline-1-800-452-4368
-Illinois Toll Roads- 1-800-865-5394
– Online- www.gettingaroundillinois.com
