AAA Colorado urges distraction-free winter driving

AAA Colorado and the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety are asking motorists to participate in Heads Up Driving Week, a distraction-free week of driving, October 5 -11. “We are asking everyone to rethink their driving behavior and take the first step toward becoming distraction-free by trying it for a week and doing it for life,” said AAA Foundation President and CEO Peter Kissinger. When driving in snowy and icy conditions it is even more important for motorists to keep their focus on the road.

Using a cell phone and text messaging are only two of the many possible dangerous distractions that divert driver’s attention. AAA Colorado is offering the following suggestions for distraction-free winter driving.

Plan ahead Check traffic conditions before you get on the road and allow for extra driving time.

See and be seen It’s important for you to see the road and for other drivers to be able to see you.

Improve visibility by clearing snow and ice from the entire vehicle — hood, roof, trunk, turn signals, taillights, headlights, windows, mirrors and fender wells.

Clean windshield glass inside and out to ensure good vision. Have small windshield chips repaired to prevent them from becoming cracks that require a complete windshield replacement. Replace wiper blades if they are leaving streaks. The washer reservoir should be filled with an antifreeze washer solvent.

Consider headlight restoration if the headlight lenses have developed a frosted yellow surface. This repair process restores a clear finish to the lens, which improves vision. Do-it-yourselfers can purchase restoration kits at auto parts stores for approximately $20. Commercial services will typically do the job for between $50 and $100.

Get your vehicle road ready Adjust climate controls, sound systems and seat position before you leave. You seat should be no closer than 10 inches to the steering wheel. Check your mirrors and don’t forget to buckle up and have all your passengers buckle up too.

Select the right clothing Clothing should provide warmth, comfort and freedom of movement. Stop the vehicle in a safe spot to remove any outdoor clothing that has become too warm rather than compounding a risky situation by struggling out of a heavy coat while driving.

Don’t dine while driving Eat meals and snacks before getting behind the wheel, or stop to eat and take a break if driving long-distance.

Get your brain in the game Focus on the task at hand — driving safely through the snow and ice. Scan the road so that you’ll be prepared to stop or slow down. Increase your following distance to 8 to 10 seconds when driving on icy, slippery surfaces. Avoid changing lanes because of potential control loss when driving over build-up snow between lanes.

To learn more about Heads Up Driving Week, view 10 tips on how to eliminate distractions and learn the facts about distracted driving, visit AAAFoundation.org.

AAA Colorado is an advocate for safety and security for all travelers and has more than 525,000 members. As North America’s largest motoring and leisure travel organization, AAA provides nearly 51 million members with travel, insurance, financial and automotive-related services, as well as member-exclusive savings. AAA can be visited on the Internet at www.AAA.com.