Safety first this holiday season

  • Published
  • By 459 ARW Safety Office
ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, Md. --  As the colder months creep in, the 459th Air Refueling Wing Safety office offers the following tips in preparation for the winter weather season:

· Be prepared at all times for weather changes affecting your driving safety. Weather changes can quickly alter road conditions and visibility. You can drive around a corner and suddenly find your vehicle skidding across invisible ice which has accumulated in a shaded area. You can be cruising along and wonder where the scenery went -- it is shrouded by thick fog.

· Tune in to radio and television reports describing road and weather conditions. That helicopter hovering over the freeway during morning rush hour can give you good information about icy areas to avoid.

· When planning a trip out of the local area, telephone ahead for highway and weather reports. You might be advised to take a detour or learn that a route is closed altogether.

· Equip your vehicle for the conditions you might drive through. Don't wait until the first snowfall to install your winter or all-season tires. Also, consider switching to winter weight oil and winter coolant before freeze-up.

· Carry survival supplies in case you get stuck. Warm clothing, boots, gloves, quick energy food, matches and a candle are the minimum to carry in your vehicle in all seasons.

· Have the position of your headlights, tail lights and fog lights checked before the cold or rainy season. If they are too low, you won't see much; if they are too high, they can cause potentially dangerous glare for other drivers.

· Learn how your vehicle handles in rough weather conditions. Front wheel drive, rear wheel drive and all wheel drive vehicles each have a different "feel" to them.

· Get used to your anti-lock brakes before you need them in an emergency. Read the owner's manual for your vehicle, which will explain how to use them if you need to stop suddenly. 

· Remember to change your windshield wipers at least once a year. The strips of rubber wear out, crack and become brittle from extreme exposure to summer heat and cold winter weather. Visibility is essential during rainy and snowy seasons.

Please note that in the event of inclement weather on a UTA weekend, reservists should call the Andrews Air Force Base Information Line at 301-981-5995 or 301-981-2273 for reporting instructions.