AAA-Oklahoma: Tips To Stay Safe During Winter Travel

If you are driving this Thanksgiving, take extra care on the roads.

Police and highway patrol agencies in eight states, including Oklahoma, are putting extra patrols on Interstate 40 during the busy 12-hour travel periods Wednesday and Sunday.

They'll also be looking for seatbelt use, speeders, impaired drivers and people texting while driving.

Before you head out, AAA says a quick check of your vehicle could keep your family from getting stranded on the side of the road.

It says the most frequent problems are under-inflated tires, dirty oil and low fluid levels.

With the chance for winter weather in some parts of the state, it's important to be prepared.

AAA-Oklahoma said weak or dead batteries are one of the most common causes of breakdowns in cold weather, so you'll want to check to see yours is good to go.

If you do break down, AAA said you don't want to get caught without supplies, so make up a winter driving kit, which includes a flashlight with batteries, small shovel, ice scraper, warm blanket, heavy gloves, something to eat and drink and a first aid kit.

AAA also has some tips for driving safely in the winter, including:

• When driving during slippery and icy conditions, slow down and keep a safe distance from other vehicles, minimize brake use and bear in mind that traction is greatest just before the wheels spin. Gentle pressure on the accelerator pedal when starting is the best method for retaining traction and avoiding skids. 
• The most effective way to stop on ice and snow is to apply your brakes gently well in advance of the point where you intend to stop. With antilock braking systems (ABS), you may feel a pulsation in the brake pedal when coming to a stop. This means the system is operating as designed to prevent wheel lock up. Continue to apply firm pressure to the brake pedal until your vehicle comes to a complete stop.  
• Keep your seatbelts fastened and make certain all passengers are securely restrained. 
• When driving in falling snow or fog, lower your speed, use your low-beam headlights or fog lights and keep a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. 

You can find more information here.