The Postal Service is reminding employees to drive safely during the winter, a time of year that presents unique challenges.
Here are some tips:
• Allow yourself extra time to stop and turn. Slow down well in advance of traffic lights, traffic signs and intersections.
• Leave extra space between your vehicle and other traffic. Reduce speed and increase the following distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• If you have to stop because of unsafe conditions, pull off the road. Get well away from traffic lanes.
• Rehearse winter driving in an empty parking lot. Make your vehicle slide and skid, and practice correcting these maneuvers. Learn to stop and turn without losing control on snow and ice.
• Ensure all windows and mirrors are free of snow. Make sure your vehicle has enough washer fluid, too.
• Scan the road ahead. If there’s decreased visibility due to high snowbanks, other drivers will be forced to pull their vehicles out further into the line of traffic to see. Be prepared to act by reducing your speed.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Seatbelts can reduce the risk of crash injuries.
The Safety Blue page has additional on-the-job tips, including Safety Depends on Me videos on avoiding distracted driving and preventing roll-away and runaway accidents.