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Safety First: attentive winter driving

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jose L. Hernandez
  • Minot Air Force Base Public Affairs
MINOT AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. --  With freezing temperatures right around the corner, it is essential for Air Force Global Strike Command drivers to take precautionary measures to ensure their vehicle is well prepared to handle the wintry weather conditions ahead.

Staff Sgt. Joshua J. Dehoet, 5th Security Forces Squadron police services noncommissioned officer in charge, stressed the importance of maintaining a sharp level of awareness and caution while on the road this winter.

He explained one of the biggest mistakes drivers commit during the wintertime is continue their normal driving habits despite the accumulation of snow on the roads.

"Driving the speed limits is often faster than what weather conditions allow for in the wintertime," he added.

Many Airmen on base drive sports vehicles with thin street tires installed, said Sergeant Dehoet.

"These types of tires are not fit for winter roads," the sergeant explained. "Snow accumulates on them and creates a situation of ice on ice which causes slip and slide accidents."

He stated that during the first snowfall there is an average of seven snow related vehicle accidents on base.

"They usually involve drivers who have never driven in the snow before," he said. "Many will need to adjust and learn how to control their vehicle properly in these conditions."

Tech. Sgt. Eric Driskell, 91st Missile Wing ground safety NCOIC, dispelled the confidence many have when driving four-wheel drive vehicles on the highway during the wintertime.

"These vehicles will certainly help you get out of the parking lot easily or even rescue you out of a small ditch," Sergeant Driskell added. "But once it's on the highway there is no guarantee it will have better traction or stop any quicker in hazardous situations."

One of his biggest recommendations to drivers is to winterize their vehicles before the snow season is in full swing.

Jay B. Utter, 5th Force Support Squadron auto hobby center supervisor, agrees with Sergeant Driskell in that preventative maintenance for the winter is essential.

"Drivers should visit their local tire shop and see if they can install either snow, studded or all-weather tires on their vehicles," Mr. Utter said. "These all help with braking grip."

However, studded tires have legal limitations on them. The state of North Dakota only authorizes their use from the dates of Oct. 15 to April 15.

Mr. Utter also recommends installing a block heater on engines regardless of how new a vehicle is.

"I suggest drivers install an immersion type block heater which will keep the cooling system warm," said Mr. Utter. "It helps ease vehicle start-ups on cold mornings, which in turn helps reduce wear on both the engine and battery."

Ensuring vehicles are equipped with all the proper fluids to handle winter conditions is also important, he said.

He recommends using synthetic motor oil designed for winter conditions. Drivers can consult their manufacturer's manual to figure out the correct oil viscosity level that should be used.

"A good mix of 50/50 antifreeze and water is also recommended," continued Mr. Utter. "Straight antifreeze in a vehicle's system will slush up if there is no water mixed into it."

Furthermore, Mr. Utter advised having a winter survival kit if traveling long distances or just as a precautionary measure.

"A good safety kit includes a flashlight, blanket, candles, matches, shovel, snacks, metal coffee can, a gallon of potable water and a bright flag," Mr. Utter said.

These items are useful for travelers if they become stranded out in the middle of the countryside, explained Mr. Utter. A lit candle inside a metal coffee can will act as heater and a shovel can be used to prevent the exhaust pipe from clogging up which will guard against the buildup of carbon monoxide inside the vehicle.

Whether drivers choose to ride in a four-door sedan or a four-wheel drive pickup truck this winter, it is important they take the necessary precautions to ensure the safety of not only themselves but of their colleagues as well.