Have to commute in southwest Illinois storm? Here’s a refresher on driving on snow, ice
National Weather Service St. Louis officials expect several inches of snow accumulation in southwestern Illinois and St. Louis Tuesday night into Wednesday, and travel is expected to be difficult.
Officials advise those who have the option of staying home to consider doing so to avoid a potentially dangerous commute.
A winter storm warning is in effect until 6 p.m. Wednesday for a number of metro-area counties, including St. Clair, Madison, Monroe, Randolph, St. Louis and others.
If you must venture out onto the roads, preparation and caution are key. Here’s what NWS officials advise keeping in your vehicle, plus tips on how to minimize dangers while driving.
What to keep in your car in the winter
The NWS recommends keeping up on vehicle maintenance in the winter, especially checking your brakes, lights, battery, defroster, exhaust, heater, windshield wipers and cooling system.
Keep your gas tank at least half full and try to travel in a group of other vehicles when driving in more rural areas.
Your car’s winter survival kit should include:
Battery-powered radio
Tire chains
Booster cables
Shovel
Sand
Flashlight
Candles and matches
First aid kit
Non-perishable, high-calorie food
Extra clothing/blankets
Cell phone
NWS officials also recommend keeping up to date with weather conditions by checking the radio.
Tips for safer winter driving
Keeping in mind it is best to stay home in dangerous weather conditions when possible, AAA offers tips on how to minimize dangers when you must hit the road:
Drive slowly. You will likely have lower traction on snow and ice, so adjust your speed accordingly.
Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skidding.
Increase your following distance to five to six seconds.
Know your brakes. Regardless of whether you have anti-lock brakes, keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the pedal.
Avoid stopping unnecessarily. It’s easier to get moving if you’re already rolling slowly as opposed to starting from a full stop. AAA advises drivers to slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, if possible.
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snowy roads will just make your wheels spin, AAA says. Instead, try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that carry you to the top. When you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and go downhill slowly.
Don’t stop going up a hill.
What to do if you get stuck
If your vehicle stalls in winter conditions, stay in your car and keep your radiator and exhaust pipe clear of snow. Don’t venture out into the snow, as you could get lost and will be without shelter.
The NWS advises motorists to not try to shovel their cars out or push them, as this can exhaust you and lower your resistance to the cold, possibly endangering your life.
When stranded in your car during a winter storm, run the motor and heater sparingly. Crack a window for ventilation and avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, and make sure ice does not seal off the windows and cut off air supply.
If you’re stuck in daylight, tie a colored cloth to your antenna if you have one. At night, turn on a flashlight or dome light frequently. If you have to leave your car, tie yourself to a lifeline to your vehicle to prevent you from getting lost.
If you’re alone, stay awake and alert. If you have other people with you, make sure at least one person is awake at all times. Exercise your arms and legs to maintain blood circulation and keep your body temperature up.
