2008 Woodie Awards
Weather causes driving hazards
By Valerie Waltz
Rocket Staff Writer
Issue date: 12/9/05 Section: News
It's that time of year again. The white stuff is starting to fall and icicles are forming on the bottom of cars. The temperatures are plummeting and the roads are starting to become a little more hazardous with each snowflake that hits the ground.
According to a release issued by Melissa Doyle of Tierny Communications, there are a number of things students should due to combat the hazards of winter driving in Western Pennsylvania.
In many instances a winter snowstorm can be seen as good quality fun, but when it comes to driving in winter conditions, fun is the last thing on anyone's mind. Before you frolic to your car during a snowstorm to go to the Grove City Outlets, there are measures to take to prepare a vehicle for winter driving.
With the changing weather conditions from blistering hot to freezing cold, students should take their vehicles into their mechanics so they can check the vehicles main fluids and fill them with the recommended levels in preparation for colder temperatures. Also checking tires for proper inflation is vital. If tires are under-inflated it can reduce their gripping ability because the tread will not meet the road's surface as it was designed to. Unfortunately, you're still not ready for that trip to the Outlets just yet.
After regular winter maintenance is performed on the vehicle, students should keep a winter survival kit in the trunk or backseat of the vehicle.
Since the weather changes fast in Slippery Rock, students should always keep their cars stocked with an ice scraper, snow shovel, flares, and jumper cables. A first aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, a blanket, change of clothes, bottled water, and some snacks are also important things to have handy just in case you get stranded anywhere on the road.
So there you are, ready to make that journey on route 258 to the Outlets. The winter survival kit is ready and a freshly maintained car is in the parking lot. Students should always listen to the weather forecast before leaving their dorm or apartment. Be prepared to change plans or driving routes if the weather makes certain highways dangerous. Also, always tell a friend or family member where you're going and what roads you are taking to get there, just in case something happens.
According to a release issued by Melissa Doyle of Tierny Communications, there are a number of things students should due to combat the hazards of winter driving in Western Pennsylvania.
In many instances a winter snowstorm can be seen as good quality fun, but when it comes to driving in winter conditions, fun is the last thing on anyone's mind. Before you frolic to your car during a snowstorm to go to the Grove City Outlets, there are measures to take to prepare a vehicle for winter driving.
With the changing weather conditions from blistering hot to freezing cold, students should take their vehicles into their mechanics so they can check the vehicles main fluids and fill them with the recommended levels in preparation for colder temperatures. Also checking tires for proper inflation is vital. If tires are under-inflated it can reduce their gripping ability because the tread will not meet the road's surface as it was designed to. Unfortunately, you're still not ready for that trip to the Outlets just yet.
After regular winter maintenance is performed on the vehicle, students should keep a winter survival kit in the trunk or backseat of the vehicle.
Since the weather changes fast in Slippery Rock, students should always keep their cars stocked with an ice scraper, snow shovel, flares, and jumper cables. A first aid kit, a flashlight and batteries, a blanket, change of clothes, bottled water, and some snacks are also important things to have handy just in case you get stranded anywhere on the road.
So there you are, ready to make that journey on route 258 to the Outlets. The winter survival kit is ready and a freshly maintained car is in the parking lot. Students should always listen to the weather forecast before leaving their dorm or apartment. Be prepared to change plans or driving routes if the weather makes certain highways dangerous. Also, always tell a friend or family member where you're going and what roads you are taking to get there, just in case something happens.
