Jeff Presley from E-911 Dispatch sent us some winter driving tips to share. Be safe Fox Country!  

Use slower acceleration and slower speeds. Avoid heavy steering and braking. Allow extra time to reach your destination during inclement weather. It is not worth putting your own life or the lives of others in danger to save time.

• Drive with your headlights on.
• Don’t get overconfident with four-wheel drive. It won’t help you stop any faster.
• Winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances. Give yourself room. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.
• Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots. These all have potential to develop black ice.
• Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen your chance of losing control.
• Look farther ahead in traffic. Actions by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra reaction time.
• Trucks take longer to stop. Don’t cut in front of them.
• Avoid using cruise control or overdrive. Don’t let your car make a bad decision for you.

 What to Pack…

• Jumper cables to restart engine
• Cat litter or sand for tire traction on snow and ice
• Shovel to scrape snow away from tires
• Ice scraper to clear windshield
• Warm clothes gloves, a hat, sturdy boots, warm jacket and even a change of clothes
• Blankets to keep warm inside the vehicle
• Flashlights and extra batteries for increased visibility
• First aid kit also pack necessary medications incase you are stuck on the road
• Food pack items containing protein such as nuts and energy bars, also canned fruit and a portable can opener are good additions
• Water bring enough for each person in your car and any pets
• AM/FM radio to listen to traffic reports and emergency messages

Also consider…

• Bring a cell phone if you have one with a list of emergency numbers.
• Fill your gas tank
• Baby formula and diapers if you have a small child.
• If you find yourself stranded, be safe and stay in your car, put on your flashers, call for help and wait until it arrives.