A Flurry of Activity at AAA

Preparing for First Snow (and Encouraging Drivers to Do the Same!)

With the forecast now calling for much more than just a flurry of snow, there is a flurry of activity at AAA as our Emergency Rescue crews prepares for an increase in emergency calls and winter weather-related issues.

With that in mind, AAA is encouraging drivers to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the changing conditions, which means car care in advance and adjusting their driving behaviors once the snow starts to fall.  

“One of the messages we try to drive home at AAA Driving School is the need to adjust driving behaviors when conditions change – this can be darkness, rain or, in this case, snow,” says Jennifer Shorette, Director of AAA Driving Schools. “All drivers, even those in SUVs and trucks, need to slow down, increase following distance and limit distractions when roads are wet”.

While Saturday is often slow compared to mid-week because fewer people are on the roads, AAA expects holiday shoppers will be racing around regardless of the weather, increasing the risk on the roads and increasing the number of calls for help.

AAA offers the following tips for driving in snow:

1. Take it slow
2. Increase following distance
3. Drive defensively
4. Make sure you have a good tread on your tires and that they are properly inflated
5. Don't use cruise control - you always want to maintain control of your vehicle.
6. Use your headlights to increase visibility - you want to be sure that you can see and be seen
7. If you do start to skid, always LOOK and STEER in the direction you want to go.

“Another message we try to drive home at the driving school is about making sure that your vehicle is always road ready. In extreme weather conditions it is important to be prepared in order to keep you and your passengers as safe as possible,” Shorette says.

AAA offers the following tips for getting your vehicle ready for snow:

1. Check the battery
2. Check the tire pressure
3. Check headlights, tail lights, brake lights
4. Check windshield wiper blades
5. Check heater/defroster
6. Check oil/fluids
7. Prepare a Winter Emergency Kit

Winter Emergency Kit should include:

Snow brush, scraper, de-icer, kitty litter or abrasive, small shovel, warning flare or bright triangle, blanket, flashlight with fresh batteries, first aid kit, jumper cables, water, snacks/medicine. And, most importantly, drivers should always take along a fully charged cellphone so they can call AAA for assistance if they do run into trouble.

Motorists can download AAA’s free brochure How to Go on Ice and Snow for more tips.

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CT Mailing Address:
815 Farmington Avenue
West Hartford, CT 06119

AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and more than one million members in Connecticut.  AAA advocates for the safety and mobility of its members and has been committed to outstanding road service for more than 100 years. The not-for-profit, fully tax-paying member organization works on behalf of motorists, who can now map a route, find local gas prices, discover discounts, book a hotel and track their roadside assistance service with the AAA Mobile app for iPhone, iPad and Android. For more information, visit www.aaa.com.