Winter Driving Information

Winter Driving Information

Freezing temperatures and rain combined with high-rise bridges and overpasses are a recipe for disaster on Austins roads.

How do you avoid a skid? What do you do if you find yourself spinning out on ice?  Longhorn Driving School owner Hector Benavides has some tips for driving in ice.

Benavides says slow down.  He says, give yourself plenty of following distance; look out for wet spots on the road because ice often has the appearance of a water puddle.

Benavides adds that if you do hit a patch of ice, hold the steering wheel firmly. If you get into a skid, release the accelerator and turn in the direction of the skid.

Remember when the car goes into a spin, it's the rear of the car, not the front of the vehicle, Benavides said. If the front of the car is going to the right, you want to turn your wheel to the left, so you can bring the front of the car back towards the left, back towards the roadway,

He also says if your car has anti-lock brakes, brake as you normally would, but if you don't have anti-lock brakes, tap the pedal lightly, repeatedly.

Benavides says if you don't have to drive in this mess, don't.

More winter driving tips from Triple A

Winter storms can strand motorists traveling northern routes in Texas, sometimes striking South Texas and coastal areas. When winter storms threaten, monitor broadcast media and NOAA Weather Radio for information. Keep your gas tank full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. On icy roads, drive slowly and increase distance required for stop. Watch for downed trees and power lines across roads. If power is out, treat all intersections as four-way stops.

Emergency Supplies for Your Vehicle

• Blankets/sleeping bags and extra clothing, mittens and hat
• Cell phone, radio, flashlight, extra batteries
• First-aid kit and pocket knife
• High calorie, non perishable food, bottled water
• Sack of sand or cat litter for de-icing roadway      
• Windshield scraper, tool kit, booster cables, tow rope and shovel