Use care in snow but don’t be a knucklehead

You’ve seen the forecasts by now. You know the snow is coming. And you know exactly what you need to do to get from point A to point B safely once snow starts sticking to city streets and interstates.

But still, many drivers seem to react to the first snowfall of the year like Dory from “Finding Nemo” as soon as the flurries start coming down. “Oh look! The sky is falling!”

It might be all that fast driving we see in May, but for some reason, the spring and summer months lead to the erosion of all those winter driving skills we’ve developed.

So if you’re one of the those drivers who speed on icy roads or ride the bumper of the car in front of you when visibility is low, you might be what Indiana State Police Sgt. John Perrine refers to as a “knucklehead.”

The good news is, there are a few quick and easy things you can do to stay safe on the road this winter. Here are a few winter driving tips from AAA Exchange and the Indiana State Police.

Winter driving tips

❚ Be sure to accelerate and decelerate slowly. Never try to get moving in a hurry, and take the time to slow down for traffic lights.

❚ The normal following distance on dry pavement of three to four seconds should increase to eight to 10 seconds. Always leave a safety cushion of at least two car lengths per 10 mph you’re traveling.

❚ Know your brakes and keep steady pressure on the brake pedal.

❚ To regain control during a skid, release brakes and gently steer the car in the direction of skid.

Indiana Farmers Insurance also recommends keeping an ice scraper, a phone charger, a blanket, jumper cables, a flashlight, batteries, water, food and a bag of sand in your vehicle.

Be sure to refill antifreeze, check brakes, replace wiper blades, refill washer fluid and check the health of your battery during the colder months. Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gas line freezing, and make sure your tires are in good condition.

What to do if you get stuck

In inclement weather, getting stranded is a possibility. Here’s what to do, according to the Indiana State Police.

❚ Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.

❚ Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

❚ Leave the dome light on at night to aid search parties.

❚ Don’t panic! An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.