Former Waymo CEO John Krafcik discusses the evolution of self-driving technology and the company’s safety improvements in ‘The Claman Countdown.’
Widespread wintry weather is expected to hit the US over the weekend, moving from the southwest through Texas and Oklahoma, across the South and Tennessee Valley. It will eventually reach the Mid-Atlantic coast.
Tens of thousands of accidents occur during snowy and icy conditions, according to the federal auto regulators. In 2023, there were an estimated 101,390 police-reported crashes related to winter weather, 22,293 of which resulted in injuries and 320 of which resulted in deaths, according to data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
NHTSA maintains a standing list of safety tips for drivers during dangerous situations. That guidance is especially important as a potentially powerful winter storm threatens more than 35 states and puts millions under winter storm watches.
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Tips from NHTSA on how to stay safe during winter driving conditions:
The auto regulator said the basic tip for staying safe in dangerous weather is to slow down because it is difficult to control or stop a car on slippery or snow-covered surfaces. Another simple but critical step is to increase the following distance from the vehicles in front to allow more stopping time.
It is also important to stay away from the snow plow and avoid walking near the truck.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says slowing down is one of the most important things drivers can do in winter weather. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
“Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop frequently, overlap lines, and get off the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far behind it and use caution when passing the plow,” NHTSA said.
Tire pressure will drop when the outside temperature drops, so it’s important to make sure each tire is filled to the inflation pressure recommended by the car manufacturer. That will be listed in the owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame.
SOUTHERN CITY COULD SEE FIVE WORST STORM IN RECORDED HISTORY FROM A MAJOR WINTER STORM.
In 2023, there were an estimated 101,390 police-reported traffic accidents related to winter weather. (Hyoung Chang/The Denver Post)
It is important not to inflate the tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself, because that is the pressure the tire can handle, not the recommended pressure for the vehicle.
In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and the driving range of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles can be reduced when the temperature drops, so it is important for a mechanic to check the battery, charging system, belts and any other necessary repairs or replacements.
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Tens of thousands of accidents occur during snowy and icy conditions, according to the federal auto regulators. (Chase Castor/Getty Images)
What to do in an emergency
When a car stops or stalls in bad weather, drivers need to keep their focus on themselves, their passengers, the car and their surroundings.
It is also important to stay with the car and not overexert yourself.
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The car needs to be seen when it’s stationary, so it’s important to put bright signs on the roof or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
It is very important to be aware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Drivers need to make sure their exhaust pipe is clear of any snow. They also need to drive their car occasionally, long enough to stay warm.
Drivers should not drive their vehicles for extended periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
