Let's face it, winter driving is no joy ride. Whether you're driving to your local supermarket or trekking from Albany to Boston, winter weather conditions can present treacherous obstacles for any driver, especially those heading out unprepared.

To ensure that you aren't left out in the cold this winter, the ABS Education Alliance suggests some ways to make driving this winter a safer and less stressful experience.

Winter conditions can take a toll on vehicles and present some hefty mechanical problems. That's why one of the smartest things you can do as a driver is to give your vehicle a winter check-up and/or tune-up. Like many Americans, you may be inexperienced in car maintenance. If this is the case, make sure you take your car to a reliable automotive technician whom you or someone you know trusts.

When you bring your vehicle in, ask your technician to make the following in top condition: brakes, tires, radiator, windshield wipers, battery, electrical system, headlights/taillights, emergency flashers, directional signals, ignition, defroster, and exhaust system.

If your trunk is loaded with a blanket or sleeping bag, candles and nonperishable food items, you're on the road to surviving winter driving this season. It's also a good idea to include:

• first aid kit

• jumper cables

• tire inflator

• shovel

• tool kit

• matches

• cellular phone

• flashlight with extra batteries

• tire chains

• rope

• ice scraper, snow brush

• gloves, hats, boots

• road flares

• bag of sand or kitty litter

Once you have winterized your vehicle and packed your survival kit, here are some tips to help you arrive safely at your destination:

Does your car have an anti-lock brake system (ABS)? It's important to know what type of brakes you have because vehicles equipped with ABS require different braking techniques in unplanned stops than those with conventional brakes. Anti-lock brake systems are one of the most important and recognized safety features on any car, especially in difficult or hazardous winter driving conditions.

There are two types of anti-lock brake systems - four wheel and rear-wheel. Passenger cars and some light trucks may have four-wheel ABS, whereas rear-wheel ABS is found exclusively on light trucks.

When properly used, four-wheel ABS improves vehicle steerability, stability and stopping capability in emergency situations. Rear-wheel ABS is designed to maintain directional stability and prevent the vehicle from skidding sideways in emergencies. To determine if your car has anti-lock brakes, look for an illuminated ABS symbol on your dashboard immediately after starting your engine, check your owner's manual, or ask your automotive service expert.

Unlike conventional brakes which require drivers to pump the brakes to prevent skidding or sliding, four-wheel ABS does the pumping for you automatically at a rate as fast as 18 times per second whenever a sensor detects the start of lock-up on one or more of your wheels.

To engage four-wheel ABS, keep your foot on the brake pedal until steering clear of hazards. Do not take your foot off the brake pedal or pump the brakes because either action will disengage the anti-lock system.

Rear-wheel anti-lock brake systems prevent the wheel lock of the vehicle's back wheels only. This allows you to maintain directional stability and prevents the rear end from skidding sideways in emergency situations.

The vehicle's front wheels can lock up on rear-wheel ABS systems, just like conventional brakes. If this occurs, you should ease up on the brake pedal with just enough pressure to allow the front wheels to roll again so you can steer.

Whether driving with ABS or conventional brakes, here are some tips for safe driving:

Always slow down and increase following distances when driving in bad weather conditions. Tailing other automobiles in any condition is unsafe, but in winter, snow and ice can make stopping distances much longer. In addition, be aware that entrance and exit ramps can be icy even when highway roads or other areas are clear.

Always clean off entire car before driving it anywhere. Keep your windshield, windows, headlights and taillights clean. If snow or salt builds up while driving, stop at a safe place to use a snow brush or scraper. Use the car defroster and a clean cloth to keep the windows free of fog.

Be more observant. Because visibility is often limited in winter weather conditions, slow down and watch for other vehicles. Also make sure all mirrors in your car are properly positioned.

On upgrades, keep far enough behind the vehicle ahead so you won't have to slow down or stop. This will allow you to maneuver around obstacles and to gain a little extra speed at the bottom of the hill to give momentum that will help carry you over the top. At the hillcrest, reduce speed to a minimum, then descend in a low gear with as little braking as possible.

If your vehicle breaks down, don't panic. Pull as far off the road as possible and use common sense. Your greatest personal danger at this point is that of being hit by a passing car. Stay put until help comes, and run your engine and heater for short intervals only, making sure the windows are cracked open. Either turn on your warning lights or open your hood to signal your emergency situation to other drivers. If you do not have access to a phone, create a "Call Police" sign to hang in your rear window.

If possible, do not travel alone. Even if you are traveling just a short distance, it is best to travel with someone. Let a relative, friend or neighbor know where you are heading and let him or her know your planned arrival time.

Try to travel during daylight hours. Visibility when driving in winter weather conditions is often diminished due to sleet, snow, rain or fog. Therefore, it is even more important to take advantage of driving during daylight. Driving at night, coupled with winter weather, can result in dangerous situations.

Finally, if the winter road conditions prove to be tough, don't feel bad about "staying in" and rescheduling your trip when the weather permits safe driving conditions.

[Reprinted from articles appearing in the Car Care Council Website]

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