AAA Roadside Rescue Team urges motorists to use caution in the snow

Brutally cold temperatures continue to punish drivers around the Miami Valley.

Since midnight Monday, AAA’s Roadside Rescue Team has received 703 calls for assistance from stranded drivers.

Dead batteries and tire issues are the most common problems motorists are facing, according to AAA spokesperson Cindy Antrican. Car batteries work harder in colder temperatures and when a battery is nearing end of life, it may not have enough power to start the engine.

Drivers are encouraged to visit any Miami Valley area Car Care Center to have their battery tested. The centers also offer free air stations for drivers to check tire pressure and add air.

AAA’s Roadside Rescue Team received at least 189 Saturday and 179 calls Sunday to assists motorists in the Miami Valley area.

Antrican said that these numbers seemed high considering level 2 and 3 snow emergencies issued in areas.

“People need to prepare for the weather rather than a quick trip because you could get stuck. People need to dress for the weather and have extra clothing in their cars, especially in rural areas where someone may not find you for a while,” she said.

Antrican also said with below freezing temperatures, drivers should consider their car batteries and tires.

Tires can lose pressure in the cold and proper tire pressure is needed to navigate icy roads. Older car batteries also have a hard time starting after sitting in the cold.

AAA urges motorists to practice caution with these tips for driving in the snow:

  • Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood and trunk: While driving, snow can blow off a car onto the windshield of a nearby vehicle, temporary blinding that driver's vision.
  • Slow down: Accelerate, turn and brake gradually. Adjust your speed to the road conditions and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  • Never use cruise control on slippery roads: Patches of ice can cause unexpected wheel spin and use of cruise control can slow driver response.
  • Avoid unnecessarily changing lanes: This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that could cause loss of vehicle control.
  • Don't tailgate: Normal following distances of three to four seconds on dry pavement should be extended to a minimum of eight to ten seconds when driving on slippery surfaces. The extra time will provide additional braking room should a sudden stop become necessary.
  • Watch the traffic ahead: Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, fishtailing cars, sideways skids or emergency flashers ahead.
  • Move over: Move over one lane for law enforcement and emergency roadside personnel assisting motorists. If you're unable to move over, slow down.
  • Carry a winter weather kit in your car: Contents should include a fully charged cell phone and car charger, ice scraper, blanket, warm winter clothing, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, a bag of kitty litter, reflective triangles/flares, shovel and cloth/paper towels.

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