How important are winter tires? Are they necessary to drive safely in the winter time? Yes, winter tires are very important, they dig in to the snow and help grip the road, if you don’t have winter tires you should at least have all-season tires but winter tires are best. What is the most important thing to keep in mind when driving on ice and snow? Slowing down is the most important thing to do when driving on ice and snow. High speeds make it easy to lose control of your vehicle and difficult to stop. What do you typically put on roads here at Babson in order to maintain safe driving conditions? Facilities at Babson College does a great job at keeping our roadways clear. Before the storm starts they pretreat the roads with chemicals that will melt the snow on contact. Once the snow starts to fall they will spread sand for traction and salt to melt the ice and snow. They will then begin to plow the roadways in order to move the snow and ice off of the streets.
WHY ARE TURN SIGNALS IMPORTANT?
When driving, you only have a few ways of lettering other drivers know what you are about to do. The most important—and most neglected way is by using your turn signal. It IS illegal not to use your turn signal. In a 2012 study by The Society of Automotive Engineers they estimated that two million crashes per year are a direct result of failure to signal. Turn signals should be used when:
Changing lanes
Turning on to or off of a side street.
When turning at a stop sign or stop light.
Why don’t all drivers use their turn signals? Some reasons used by U.S. drivers are: #1. They don’t have time. #2. They admit they are lazy. #3. Because when they do they forget to shut it off and are embarrassed. #4. They don’t think it is important. #5. Why should they if no one else does. #6. They think it makes driving more exciting.
DRIVING IN WINTER CONDITIONS
First get your Vehicle ready for Winter Weather Driving when roads are icy and during snowstorms – can be very dangerous. According to the Massachusetts Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), close to 70 percent of all winter-weather related deaths occur as the result of automobile accidents. The Following tips will help keep you safe during winter driving and may reduce your chances of being involved in an accident.
Replace tires before winter weather sets in this will help to maintain traction.
Put together a winter emergency car kit – which should include items such as a first aid kit, non-perishable foods, jumper cables, water, and extra clothing, sand or salt, a shovel and a snow brush – so you and your passengers can remain relatively comfortable until help arrives.
Make sure your gas tank is no less than half-full at all times (this will keep the car running in the event of bitter cold); and,
Ensure all other vehicle fluids are at acceptable levels.
Brush off all snow and ice on your car before driving: lights, windshields, and mirrors should provide clear visibility;
Speed limits are the maximum speed recommended under optimal conditions. During a storm, weather and road conditions can change quickly, so slow down as warranted by the situation;
Respect other drivers. Keep a comfortable distance from other motorists in case they lose control;
It is also suggests that motorists avoid driving in poor conditions, if possible. If you have to drive in bad weather try to avoid long trips.
Motorists should dial 911 ( State Police ) when off campus and 781-239-5555 ( Babson College Police ) when on campus, if their vehicle breaks down or if they are involved in an accident.
It is a good idea to add the Babson College Public Safety phone number to your phone prior to needing it.