WINTER ARRIVES WITH A BANG!
After nearly perfect fall weather, winter arrived with all its pride and glory Monday. Snow can present some very challenging driving conditions for even the most seasoned driver, but by following some simple steps and using a good amount of common sense, you can decrease your chances of ending up in the ditch or in an accident.

Kansas Department of Transportation has provided the following news release regarding Winter travel.

Know Before You Go During Winter Travel Season

Know before you go. It’s advice that could save your life during the winter driving season in Kansas.

The Kansas Highway Patrol and the Kansas Department of Transportation offer the following suggestions for your safe winter travel. First, prepare your vehicle. Extreme temperatures can be hard on vehicles. Check the fluids, ensuring that the radiator is winterized, that the gas tank is over half-full, and that there is plenty of windshield washing fluid. Check belts, hoses and brake systems for excessive wear. Have the exhaust system checked; small leaks can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment. Check tire treads for adequate traction, and replace windshield wiper blades if they are ineffective.
Keep a survival kit that includes at least the following:
- An ice scraper and shovel
- Non-perishable food
- Jumper cables and flashlight
- A first aid kit
- Matches and candles or flares
- A towrope or chain
- Sand or kitty litter for traction
- Extra clothing or blankets
Before you travel find out the latest weather-related road conditions by going to the KDOT web site at www.kanroad.org and clicking on “Road Conditions.” A statewide map will be displayed showing weather-related information on primary routes in the state. Below the state map you can click on links that will take you to regional map information. These maps show more routes, including all Kansas, U.S. and Interstate designated routes in the region. You may also obtain the latest information by calling KDOT’s toll-free Road Condition Hot Line at 1-800-585-ROAD (7623).

Once you’re on the road, be sure to allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds. Buckle up and properly secure children in safety seats. Increase the distance between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you because inclement weather significantly increases your stopping distance.

Accelerate and brake gently when driving. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by pumping the pedal, unless your vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS). If it has ABS, it is very important that you understand how to use it. Read the owner's manual and practice using it correctly. Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas.

Visibility is very important. You must be able to see out, and other drivers must be able to see your vehicle. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors and lights.

If your vehicle loses traction and begins to slide, steer into the swerve, or in the direction you want to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.Motorists that become stranded in a winter storm should not panic. Stay in the vehicle, keep fresh air circulating through a downwind window, run the motor sparingly, turn on the dome light and stimulate circulation and stay awake by moving arms and legs. If you have a cellular phone, call a Kansas Highway Patrol dispatcher by dialing *HP (47) or *KTA (582) while on the Kansas Turnpike.

Hopefully this provides you good winter driving information that will help keep you safe this winter.