FORT RUCKER, Ala. -- The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation accidents, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Members of the Fort Rucker community should take precautions to make sure they properly winterize their vehicles for safe winter driving, advise local officials.
"A big problem that we have here in [the South] is that people fail to winterize their cars," said Bob Saliewicz, Aviation Branch Safety Office safety and occupational health specialist. "They don't prepare."
To prepare for winter driving, drivers should check the following on their vehicles: battery, antifreeze, windshield wipers and fluid, ignition system, thermostat, lights, flashing lights, exhaust system, heater/defroster, brakes, oil levels and tires, according to Saliewicz.
"One of the biggest problems people have in [the South] with winter driving is complacency," he said. "They're just not used to driving in winter weather."
People often fail to take the proper precautions when it comes to winter driving, which can cause serious accidents and injuries when neglected, said Saliewicz.
Some routine precautions people can take to help prevent incidents are to make sure their car's engine gets a tune-up in the fall, be sure all lights are in good working order, have the brakes adjusted, switch oil to winter-weight oil and check battery and voltage regulator, according to the safety officer.
"People on Fort Rucker are used to clear skies and temperatures up in the 70-degree range well into mid to late December," said Saliewicz. "They just aren't ready when the winter weather hits.
"Soldiers and Families are driving home to visit relatives and everyone is going to be out in traffic," he said. "If you drive four or five hours to the north, you're in snow. The locals are just not used to driving in that weather and that's why it's so important for them to be ready for it."
The thing people neglect the most on their vehicles is the condition of their tires, he said.
"Tires are something that people rarely check," said Saliewicz. "Until they have a blow-out or a flat tire, people usually don't realize they had a problem with their tires.
"A lot of times, people don't realize that tire tread equals stopping power. The less tread you have, the less stopping power you have, it's as simple as that," he said. "You don't want to be caught on the side of the road changing a tire, especially in the winter time with ice and snow on the roads, which can lead to more accidents."
Before driving in winter weather, people should routinely check their tires to make sure they have the proper amount of tread on them and that they are adequately inflated, he continued.
"Soon the weather will be turning the roads icy and in some parts the roads have been plowed and sanded," said Saliewicz. "Tires without proper tread and adequate inflation will not have enough traction to properly grip the road, which can cause tires to slide."
To be a safe winter driver, Saliewicz also recommends for drivers to always be aware of what the weather will be like before you drive.
"If the weather is going to be inclement, plan your trips accordingly," he said. "And if you don't have to drive, just don't."
Some precautions should be taken if driving in inclement weather can't be avoided. People should always: keep the fuel at half a tank or more; keep an ice scraper and broom in the car; dress warmly in layered, loose clothes; and have food and water on hand, said Saliewicz.
These precautions could help if drivers become trapped in a storm for an extended period of time, he said. Becoming trapped in a winter storm is a possibility and it always helps to be prepared if such an occurrence happens.
If you become trapped in a winter storm, Saliewicz recommends that you should stay in your car. People should also display trouble signs by hanging a bright colored cloth from the antenna, and raise the hood of the car, and running the engine occasionally to stay warm.
"Run the engine about 10 minutes per hour," said Saleiwicz. "Run the heater and turn the dome light on while engine is running."
He also urges that drivers that become trapped should be mindful of signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
"Redness, aching, white or blanched skin, loss of dexterity and sensation are all signs of frostbite," he said, "and signs for hypothermia are uncontrollable shivering, confusion and the inability to do simple tasks."
To help prevent frostbite and hypothermia setting in, Saliewicz said people should do minor exercises to keep up circulation, move and change positions regularly, huddle together for warmth if able, take turns sleeping if necessary, and avoid overexertion and dehydration.
Taking these precautions and simply being prepared for the worst during the winter season can not only help prevent accidents, but it can save lives, he said.
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