WASHINGTON, D. C. (Tuesday, January 29, 2019) ––Yes, there are “snow sufferers.” Or people who suffer from “an extreme dislike or fear of snow.” It is called “chionophobia.” Some people suffering from it refuse to step outside when it is snowing for fear of being trapped in snow. Quite naturally, there are some people who refuse to drive when it is snowing, or on snowy road, even though they don’t fit the description of a chionophobe. It is not only the snow you have to worry about tonight. It is the freezing temperatures and the hazardous conditions caused by any moisture or slush freezing on road surfaces during the evening hours.

The Polar Plunge will plummet upon the Washington metro area at the height of the evening rush hour. Some area schools are dismissing their young charges early. So is the Federal government. “Employees should depart 2 hour earlier than their normal departure times,” advises the OPM. “Plan to be home early to avoid driving during snow and ice that may cause hazardous road conditions,” the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is advising area commuters.  The latest winter storm system to beset the region threatens to bring snow in its hoary pinions and to spawn travel troubles. Though fear of the elements is often unfounded, don’t let it overwhelm you, advises AAA Mid-Atlantic. Expect snow covered roads, limited visibilities, wind gusts as high as 22 miles per hour, and new snow accumulation of less than one inch. “Don’t assume a smaller accumulation won’t cause problems,” area transportation department officials forewarn.

A “winter weather advisory” is in effect. Some driving situations require abrupt action to avoid a crash or collision. In winter conditions, the decision to steer or brake can have very different outcomes, advises AAA Driver Education and Training.  Properly managing your speed and following distance will offer more alternatives and time to execute maneuvers. In slick conditions, AAA recommends steering maneuvers should be smooth and careful, not quick and jerky. At speeds over 25 mph, steering is preferred over braking to avoid a collision, as it takes less distance to steer around an object, than to brake to a stop. 

 “However, sometimes steering is not your option. Braking on slippery surfaces requires you to look further head and to increase following and stopping distances,” explained Kurt Gray, Director of Driver Services for AAA Mid-Atlantic. “Plan stopping distances as early as possible. Always look 20-30 seconds ahead of your vehicle to ensure you have time to assess and respond to changing traffic situations, and safely reduce your speed.  Shaded spots, bridges, overpasses and intersections are areas where ice is likely to form first, and will be the most slippery. Sudden hard braking can lead to the loss of vehicle control.”

With the coldest winter weather and some of the lowest temperatures in years, AAA’s Emergency Roadside Assistance Fleet and Contractors are gearing up to ride to the rescue of tens of thousands of stranded and stalled motorists who will have difficulty starting their vehicles and keeping them running on the roadway. To stay warm and dry while assisting motorists, AAA emergency responders will dress properly for the cold. AAA urges the motoring and traveling public to do the same in the case of an emergency. In addition to the toll it exacts on your body, harsh winter conditions make your vehicle work harder, particularly the charging and starting system, headlights, tires and windshield wipers, area AAA Mid-Atlantic Car Care Centers caution.

“Think of it this way. The Polar Plunge is providing free car battery testing this week in more ways than one. A car battery loses a third of its power in freezing weather. If the temperature drops to zero or below, your battery has only HALF its power,” said Bruce Jenkins, Manager of the AAA Mid-Atlantic Club Fleet Depot in Northern Virginia. “As the air outside gets colder, the oil in the vehicle thickens and parts move slower resulting in your battery needing more power to turn over and start the engine.” 

If you plan on not using your car for an extensive period of time during snow season, it is important to turn it on every 6-12 hours and let it run idle for 15-20 minutes so that it reaches operating temperatures. This provides current to the battery, allowing it to regain its charge.

Before You Go:

• Clean all snow and ice from the entire vehicle – hood, roof, trunk, lights and windows.

• Keep a bottle of lock de-icer in your purse or jacket to avoid costly delays during winter travel.

• Fill up. Even motorists going a short distance could get stuck in traffic or have a breakdown. Having enough gas will allow you to stay warm while waiting for help to arrive.

• Check to be sure all four tires are in good condition.

• Worn tires can send a car into dangerous skids and spins on wet and icy winter roads. Checking tire pressure and tread depth monthly can help motorists keep tires in optimal condition.

• Inspect wiper blades for wear and tear, and make sure they are in good condition to clear the windshield of heavier precipitation associated with winter months. 

• Keep the windshield washer reservoir filled with antifreeze solvent. Replenish washer reservoir with the appropriate ratio of water to windshield antifreeze.

Like their counterparts across the region, VDOT crews have “brined bridge and ramps throughout Northern Virginia.” As far as we know, the “fear of winter driving” is not officially listed as a “phobia.” Yet, severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel, advises AAA. Don’t tempt fate. “Motorists should drive in accordance with road conditions and slow speeds,” warns the Maryland SHA.

The Rules of the Road:

• Seat belts save lives – no matter where you sit, buckle up!

• Drive with your headlights on – this increases your visibility to other drivers and helps reduce your risk.

• Adjust driving behaviors for conditions.

• Slow Down and adjust driving behaviors for conditions –your speed must match conditions.

•  “Cars with front-wheel-drive will handle better in snowy conditions than those with rear-wheel drive.”

• “The ‘slipperiness’ of the road will vary considerably depending upon the temperature and surface condition.” 

• Follow at a safe distance, in wintry conditions increase your following distance to eight seconds behind other vehicles. 

• Don’t pass snowplows unless it’s absolutely necessary.

• Don’t crowd the plow. Plow drivers have limited visibility so don’t assume your vehicle is in view.

• Let someone know where you are going and tell them when you will be home. Notify when home.

• Stay home if you do not feel comfortable driving. You should never drive out of your comfort zone.

Use caution while driving or walking. One last thing: be sure to pack a winter emergency kit and keep a heavy blanket in your trunk during winter. If you ever break down and can’t use your heater in freezing weather, you’ll need it to keep warm until help arrives. That’s more of a life tip than a car tip. It behooves you to have any engine drivability problems corrected at a good repair shop. Symptoms like hard starts, rough idling, stalling or diminished power could signal a problem that would be exacerbated by cold weather. During weather extremes, make sure your AAA membership is active by going to www.AAA.com.

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AAA provides automotive, travel and insurance services to 58 million members nationwide and nearly 79,000 members in the District of Columbia.  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  https://aaa.com