The winter storm that will reach the tri-state area this weekend is a reminder of the protective measures you should take if you are going to drive.
We share with you some recommendations from the Department of Public Safety when you are behind the wheel, so that you can protect your life, that of your family, and reach your destination satisfactorily.
9 tips for driving in the snow during the winter storm in New York
- Slow down: Driving too fast increases the risk of accidents in the snow. Remember that the roads could also be wet.
- Avoid maneuvers behind the wheel: these are stops, starts and sudden turns, because you could lose control of the vehicle. Make slow movements with your car.
- Increase the distance from the vehicle in front: this allows you more time to brake on snow or ice, preventing you from rear-ending.
- When changing lanes, be careful: both snow and sleet form ridges between lanes, making the road very slippery. Be careful when you do it.
- Fasten your seat belt: due to bad weather, it is essential that you comply with this rule, because it can save your life in the event of an accident.
- Beware of “black ice”: it looks more like a wet spot than a patch of ice, so it can cause crashes.
- What to do if you skid?: The correct thing to do is to release the accelerator and turn in the direction in which the rear of your car is going.
- Keep the fuel tank full: this is a recommendation in case you run into a traffic jam or snow and you may need more fuel to get home or to heat the car.
- Have an emergency kit in the car suitcase: you may need cables to recharge the battery, another battery, chains, tow ropes, a shovel (large or small), light reflectors or flares, a flashlight, additional clothing, a radio, tire spare, windshield washer fluid and glass blade
Stephanie Viés, meteorologist for Los Guardianes del Tiempo, explained that New York City is expected to experience a winter mix, that is, snow, sleet and rain.
Likewise, the situation will change for next Monday, when the chances of precipitation are practically zero and with temperatures between 32 and 40 degrees.
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Full fuel tank We start with one of the most essential components for the operation of the vehicle. Even if you’re not planning on taking a long trip, it’s extremely important to keep your fuel tank full. Whether it’s a snowstorm, an earthquake, or any other emergency situation, if you find yourself having to drive your car, you don’t want running out of fuel to add to your list of worries.
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2/15
Snow Shovel Once winter arrives, make sure you always have a snow shovel in your trunk. You may need it at some point to remove snow from your path, such as when leaving the parking lot or if your car gets stuck on the road.
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3/15
Learn the proper techniques to get out of a snow jam. Jaime Gabaldoni brings you some advice in case you find yourself ‘stuck’ in a situation like this.
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4/15
Snow Brush/Ice Scraper Two winter essentials that you can also find in one for added convenience. These help clean the windows and windshield and thus have better visibility while driving. But if you’re short on time and can’t stop by the store, you can also use these homemade items to remove ice from your car.
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5/15
Sandbags In case you get stuck in snow or ice, you can spread sand under the tires to increase their traction and get out of the jam. A cheaper and more readily available option is cat litter. Just make sure it is not a binder.
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6/15
Phone charger Before leaving home, make sure your mobile phone is fully charged and that you have an extra USB cable in the cabin of your car, as you may spend more time than expected on the road. Even better, you can carry a portable charger with the ability to power the phone’s battery up to 2 or 3 times. Nowadays, they come in all styles, some are even solar powered and include an LED lamp.
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7/15
The forecast for this winter season indicates a lot of snow. Jaime Gabaldoni teaches you in this video how you should prepare your car and thus keep your family safe.
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8/15
Extra clothes and blankets Avoid finding yourself in a situation where you cannot adequately protect yourself from the cold. Even if you leave home dry, it is essential that you have more clothes, gloves and blankets on hand. Sometimes it may not even be you who needs it, but rather a family member, friend or stranger.
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9/15
Snacks and water Following the same idea that any trip could take longer than normal. It is advisable to have snacks and water in the car to keep your body energized and hydrated.
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10/15
Flashlights A flashlight could be of great help in case your car gets stuck at night and you need to walk somewhere for assistance. Do not depend on the lamp that comes with your phone, because in low temperatures phone batteries run out faster and it would not be a good idea for you to be left incommunicado.
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11/15
Intense winter conditions often turn the slopes into scenes of often avoidable accidents. Jaime Gabaldoni brings you some practical tips for when you are driving in intensely cold conditions.
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12/15
First aid kit With snowfall, driving conditions become more complex and the risk of having an accident is considerably higher. A first aid kit to treat minor injuries is undoubtedly an essential component especially at times like this.
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13/15
Not only would they be useful if your car won’t start, but they would also allow you to lend a hand to another driver who needs help on the road.
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14/15
Car battery in good condition But there is no doubt that it is best to replace the battery with a new one before the start of winter, especially if you haven’t done so in a while. In fact, you can also take advantage of the fact that many workshops and spare parts stores in the United States check the battery, alternator and starting system at no cost.
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Related: The 7 things you should never leave inside the car during the winter
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2024-01-04 23:26:00
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