quick clicks

dads today articles

dads today q&a

message boards

research baby names

prepare a birth plan

content channels

ip channel rss feeds

read birth stories

read parenting stories

recommended books

e-newsletters

safety recalls

ip diaries

ip store

mom of the month

dad of the month

editor's letter

letters to the editor

Winter Driving

Take Precautions to Stay Safe While on the Road

By Lisa Marie Metzler

Perform a routine check on the fluids in your car. Make sure your fluids – such as oil, windshield cleaner fluid, antifreeze, etc. – are full. Also use a tire gauge and check your tire pressure. Your car owner's manual should list the specific instructions and details on how to perform these tasks. Remember to fill up your gas tank before you leave. You may want to purchase a one-time use emergency gas carrier. It is compact and easy to store with your emergency kit.

For those of us who have to drive in a climate that produces snow, sleet and ice, Tom and Ray Magliozzi, hosts of the weekly national radio program Car Talk and the nationally syndicated newspaper column "Click and Clack," strongly recommend that if your car needs a tune up to get it done before the winter season starts.

"Any small problems you had in good weather will be bigger problems in bad weather," the Magliozzis say. "Have the belts, hoses, spark plugs, water pump, distributor cap, etc. checked before the season starts. Left unchecked, these can leave you stranded." Your car battery should be checked as well. "You will need more power from your battery to start your car in the winter," they say.

Again, whether winter or summer, make sure all your fluids are full. In the winter months you may use more windshield wiper fluid during a regular trip to town, simply because the roads are wet and slushy. Check the wiper blades to make sure they are in good working condition as well.

p>According to Michigan's AAA, the leading cause of traffic crashes on ice-slicked, snow-clogged roads is following the car in front too closely. The driver in front stops; you can't. An easy tip to remember is to leave about two car lengths between you and the car in front of you. When you do need to stop, do not brake hard. AAA says, "In a skid, ease off the accelerator and don't lock up the brakes. Carefully steer in the direction you want the car to go and straighten the wheel as soon as the car begins to go in the desired direction."

Want to see more?

• Check out our Article Library.
• Transporting Toddlers: Why It's Important to Buckle up Little Ones the Right Way
• Booster Seats: An Urgent Need for Preschoolers
• The Hot Days of Summer: Keeping Hydrated While on the Road
• Mom's Minivan O' Fun: Car Travel Activities for Kids
• Family Car Safety Checklist: Keeping Families Safe on the Road
• Talk about it!