Cpl. Bart Veal

Public Information Officer

903-798-3187 (office) 903-798-2368 (pager)

903-824-4199 (cell) 903-798-3023 (fax)

Texarkana Arkansas Police Badge

Re: Winter Weather Driving

Winter driving requires lots of patience, practice and special techniques. To minimize the dangers associated with winter driving, the vehicle and the driver must be prepared in advance. For the driver this means approaching winter driving with the right frame of mind-always drive at a speed that matches the prevailing visibility, traffic and road conditions. Listed below are other important tips to keep in mind. Before you start:

Get updated road condition reports that are available from local weather stations or from most State Highway Departments of Transportation.

Remove ice and snow from windows, license plates and lights. Also be sure to clear snow from the vehicle's hood, roof and trunk.

Have an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small shovel, an ice scraper, antifreeze, blankets; nonperishable food; and a first aid kit and importantly a charged cell phone.

Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing On the road:

Always wear seatbelts.

Reduce your speed while driving. The posted speed limits are for dry, clear conditions only. Watch for slick spots under bridges and on overpasses.

Remember that the when it gets colder the conditions get worse.

If you find yourself loosing control of your vehicle, don’t panic. Take your feet off the accelerator, don’t apply the brakes immediately, and use minimal movement to the steering wheel until you can feel you are gaining control of the vehicle.

Thank you and you can visit the Texarkana Arkansas Police Department online at http://www.txkusa.org/arkpolice.