HOUSTON – The Houston Police Department is urging drivers to stay safe on the roads after more than 580 crashes were reported in the area overnight. Of those, Mayor John Whitmire confirmed that 251 crashes were ice-related.
Before hitting the road, people should let others know their intended route, destination and estimated time of arrival.
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Here is what you should know to ensure you are prepared to drive in arctic weather conditions, if absolutely necessary:
Good tires in winter weather
AAA Texas and Discount Tire say that well-maintained tires are important in this weather because they’re critical for traction on the roads. Here are ways to make sure your tires are ready for roads:
- Rotate your tires regularly.
- Inflate tires to the correct pressure when tires are cool and haven’t recently been driven on. Check the tire pressure often, at least once per month. Low tire pressure results in poor handling and braking, reduced gas mileage, and excessive wear.
- Check the tread depth. A tire’s ability to stop within a safe distance becomes compromised when its tread depth reaches 4/32 inch. An easy way to determine if a tire is worn out is to place an upside-down quarter (not a penny) in a tire tread. If you can see the top of Washington’s head, it’s time to replace the tire. Check your tire’s tread periodically for uneven wear patterns and replace tires, if necessary.
- Know the age of your tires. As a tire ages, its rubber becomes hard and brittle, losing elasticity and strength. Therefore, the older a tire, the higher the risk for failure. AAA Texas recommends replacing any tire that’s 6 years old or older.
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Driving in winter conditions
- Turn on headlights to increase visibility.
- Reduce speed and leave plenty of room to stop. Drivers should allow at least three times more space than usual between their vehicle and vehicles in front of them.
- Brake gently to avoid skidding. Even careful and experienced drivers can skid on slippery surfaces. When a vehicle begins to skid, it’s important not to panic, avoid slamming on the brakes, and continue to look and steer in the direction you want the vehicle to go.
- Do not use cruise control on any wet, snow-covered or icy roads, AAA advises.
- Be especially aware of possible icy spots on bridges and overpasses, which freeze sooner than roads. And, even at temperatures above freezing, if conditions are wet, drivers may encounter ice in shady areas.
- Be careful on infrequently traveled and rural roads, which may not be cleared as often as other roads.
HYPOTHERMIA: Here are the warning signs you need to look for ahead of this week’s freeze
Leaving the roadway
- If pulling off the road is necessary, drivers are urged to wait for a safe opportunity.
- It is best to pull into a rest area or parking lot, rather than on the road’s shoulder.
- Remember, Texas has a “Slow Down Move Over” Law, which requires drivers to vacate the lane closest to an emergency vehicle or tow truck with lights flashing. If they are unable to safely move out of the lane then they must slow down 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.
Burrrrr, it’s cold outside🥶Share photos of flurries, ice in your area
Additional helpful tips
- Use your seatbelt every time you get in the vehicle.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Modern vehicles do not require idle time prior to driving, AAA says.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
- Never leave your vehicle unattended with the engine running.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
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