“To appreciate the beauty of a snowflake, it is necessary to stand out in the cold.” — Aristotle
The heck with the gales of November and the ides of March.
Welcome to the true winter of our discontent. OK, so winter doesn’t start officially until Dec. 21. But like holiday shopping, we may as well start early.
The National Weather Service office in Cleveland has issued a winter weather advisory from Monday at midnight until Tuesday at 1 p.m. with two to five inches of snow expected during the period.
The advisory area encompasses all of northern Ohio, including Richland, Ashland, Crawford and Knox counties.
The timing of the snow could make Tuesday commutes to work and school difficult, creating slippery roads throughout north central Ohio. NWS forecasters said the heaviest snow is predicted between 4 and 9 a.m.
Preparation and leaving early for your destination are key, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
“Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions,” the NHTSA posted on its website.
“In 2023, there were 320 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. Preparing yourself – and your vehicle – for winter weather is key.”
Here are some tips from the federal agency:
— Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, 2023 there were an estimated 101,390 police reported traffic crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
— Don’t crowd a snow plow or travel beside the truck. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snow plow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow.
— If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
- Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself.
- Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
- Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
— Check your tires. As the outside temperature drops, so does tire inflation pressure. Make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure, which is in your owner’s manual and on a label located on the driver’s side door frame. Do not inflate your tires to the pressure listed on the tire itself. That number is the maximum pressure the tire can hold, not the recommended pressure for the your vehicle.
- Inspect your tires at least once a month and before long road trips.
- It’s best to check the tires when they’re cold, meaning that they have not been driven on for at least three hours.
- Check each tire’s age. Some vehicle manufacturers recommend replacing tires every six years regardless of use.
- An inspection is not just about checking tire pressure and age.
— How good is your car battery? When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and for any other needed repairs or replacements.
— Take advantage of tech. Familiarize yourself with the safety technologies on your vehicle and how they perform in wintry conditions. Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up.
— Check floor mats. During slushy winter conditions, you might consider switching out your usual floor mats for thicker material or rubbery ones. Improperly installed floor mats in your vehicle could interfere with the operation of the accelerator or brake pedal, increasing the risk of a crash. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mat installation and use retention clips to secure the mats. Always use mats that are the correct size and fit for your vehicle.