Safety consciousness is critical this time of year, due to the diverse weather, cold, slippery roadways and darkness.
Although the National Weather Service can predict storms and snow or ice accumulation, many drivers may have never driven in such conditions.
"My number-one piece of winter driving advice to new Missouri residents is stay off the roads and stay at home unless you absolutely have to be on the road. If you still have to be out and about, give yourself at least 30 minutes longer to get to where you have to be. Quadruple your following distance to other vehicles, if the roads are snow and ice covered," said Randy Sipes, safety specialist, Maneuver Support Center of Excellence.
"The safest and best bet is to ride out the storm at home. The command is very safety conscious when it comes to making a weather call, and they always make the safe call."
Sipes said motorists also need to watch out for wild animals this time of year.
"We are in hunting seasons, and there will be lots of game out and about. Deer are totally unpredictable, so definitely be on guard and slow down after dark. It will give you more reaction time," Sipes said. "We are all exposed to more hazards, so we must be prepared for them."
One way to prepare is to get ahead of the wintery weather by preparing your vehicle now.
"As the seasons change, and we get closer to winter, I think everyone needs to take a few minutes to make sure their vehicle is ready for the colder season," said Aaron O'Donoghue, automotive technician, Auto Skills Center.
Drivers should get a tune-up, have the fluids checked and ask your mechanic to check the cranking amps of your battery, condition of the tires, hoses and belts.
The staff at the Fort Leonard Wood Auto Skills Center have been helping people prepare for winter for a few weeks now.
"No one wants to be left stranded, especially in the cold and snow," O'Donoghue said.
According to the National Institute for Automotive Service Excellence and the Auto Skills Center, there are 11 steps to keeping your automobile safe and ready for the winter months.
-- Read the owners manual;
-- Replace dirty filters;
-- Keep oil changed;
-- Flush and refill cooling system;
-- Check hoses and belts;
-- Check heater, defroster;
-- Replace wiper blades;
-- Check battery;
-- Rotate, inspect tires;
-- Check transmission fluid;
-- Have an emergency kit.
"With winter coming, you want to make sure the heater and defroster works. Make sure the coolant system is tested and working properly," O'Donoghue said. "Generally, when it gets colder, the battery will drain faster. "
He said his elephantine piece of advice for motorists is to have an emergency kit.
"Do you have these must have items in your car: Jumper cables, flashlight, emergency flashers or flares, small shovel, bag of sand or traction material (floor mat) blanket, extra winter clothing, and tire cables or chains, if you don't have winter tires?
You might want to think about adding a pre-packaged emergency kit that comes with a little of everything," O'Donoghue said.
Building an emergency kit
Basic contents for each kit should include a working cell phone with a car charger, flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive material for traction (sand or kitty litter), small shovel, snow brush or ice scraper, warning devices such as flares and warning triangles and blankets.
Also include non-perishable food and drink items.
Don't forget medications like rescue inhalers, Epi-Pens, glucose tablets, insulin or other vital medications you may need, if you become stranded for hours.
Properly warm-up vehicle
To avoid being a "peephole" driver, completely clear all the windows of snow and ice before driving.
Clear the fog and ice from windows and remove accumulations of ice and snow from the roof, hood and trunk, so it won't fall off and strike someone.
Clean off the lights, front and back, so others can see your vehicle and always drive with your headlights on.
Adjust driving habits
Slow down and leave plenty of room between your vehicle and other traffic and objects. Brake, steer and accelerate slowly.
Longer stopping distances are needed, so adjust following distances while moving and while sitting at an intersection stop sign or light.
Be a courteous driver
If you see someone trying to enter a roadway from an incline or trying to enter an intersection, give them the right of way, even if you have the right of way legally.
If someone in front of you is sliding or skidding, slow down and give them room to work out of it.
Stuck? Stay put.
If you find yourself stranded, stay with your vehicle; don't leave it.
You could become disoriented or fall down on the ice and die of exposure.
If you must idle your vehicle for warmth, open a window and ensure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow or blockages.
Idle it for only short periods of time.
The Missouri Department of Transportation Traveler Information Map at www.modot.org will keep track of road closings throughout the state.
The Fort Leonard Wood Weather Alerts page is updated at 5 a.m. every day (year-round) and as weather conditions change. It can be accessed from the Fort Leonard Wood home page or at www.wood.army.mil/snair/snair.pdf.
The Weather Phone is also updated daily at 5 a.m. and as weather conditions change. The recorded message can be heard by calling 563.4141.
(Editor's note: Information provided by the Maneuver Support Center of Excellence Safety Office, the Missouri Department of Transportation, the Missouri Highway Patrol and the U.S. Army Safety Center, Fort Rucker, Alabama. Derek Gean, Community editor, contributed to this story.)
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