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Like My Mother Always Said, "Better Late Then Dead"Sep 24 '00 Write an essay on this topic.It's that time of year again when the weather starts turning cold and thoughts of winter come creeping up. The reports of expected snowfall have begun and I've heard from a few that the snow has begun in their areas. Personally, I refuse to believe that Winter is fast approaching, but still we must be prepared. Soon the snow will begin falling, the temperatures will drop further, and the roads will undoubtedly become icy. It happens every year, as do the many accidents that are caused by drivers who are simply not prepared for these conditions. The first point that I'd like to make is that it is necessary to slow down when driving on winter roads. Even if there is no visible ice on the road, they can still be slippery due to black ice. Sometimes, all it takes is a bit of frost, and other times just a touch of water on the roads will also make them slippery. Slowing down can save you a lot of trouble, and maybe even your life. My sister-in-law was nearly killed in one such accident several years ago. She slowed down for a curve, but not enough for a curve covered in black ice. The truck was overturned, nearly killing her and her passengers. A friend of mine also slid off of the road and into the ditch due to black ice. Luckily, she was able to walk away unharmed though I can't say the same for her car. These occurrences are far too common around here. My point though, is that most of these incidents could be avoided if people would only slow down. Your life is worth more than a couple of minutes you may save. Like my mother always said, "better late than dead". Additionally, keeping both hands on the wheel is important. If your car should go into a skid, it's important to have both hands available to bring your car back under control. Cell phones are nice to have for emergencies but the phone calls can wait until your car is safely stopped. Always try to keep an escape plan in mind. By this I mean to keep and eye on the other drivers. If they slow down suddenly, where will you go if you don't have time to stop? Though allowing extra stopping distance will help tremendously, you should also keep in mind that even the best drivers can be caught off guard. Last winter, another driver swerved into my lane to avoid a deer. He then lost control of his vehicle and was unable to return to his own lane. Luckily I was driving slow enough to edge over onto the shoulder. Another car was not so lucky and was thrown into the ditch. Another important tip is to have the proper equipment available for emergencies. In my trunk, I carry a big bag of cat litter to put under my tires for extra traction. In addition, I carry a heavy blanket in case the car breaks down in extreme temperatures. My first aid kit which is always in my car contains all the regular first aid items, and also contains matches or a lighter, this can come in handy if a fire must be built for heat. Emergency flares or at least reflective items are also a great idea, as is a flashlight with fresh batteries. Of course, I never go anywhere without my booster cables in case my battery goes dead. As I said before, a cell phone is great for emergencies, or a two way radio to call for help. A warm pair of socks and gloves can also do wonders, and if you often wear dress shoes, a pair of boots can be a lifesaver if you must walk. You never know when you may need these things so put them in your car and be prepared. It is also helpful to inspect your vehicle to be certain that everything is in working order. How is the tread on your tires? Does your battery stand up to the cold temperatures? Is your antifreeze at the proper level? Are your heater and defrosters working properly? Are your windshield wipers in good shape? How is your vehicles general performance? These are just a few things to take into consideration before winter hits, but they will put you on the road to a safer winter driving experience.  |
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