Motorists might need roadside assistance during winter storm

By John Wright

CREATED Feb. 20, 2013

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AAA-Kansas is gearing up to help stranded motorists in Wichita and surrounding communities.

Motorists are being reminded to be prepared, and adjust their driving behavior for road conditions. If you’re caught behind the wheel during inclement weather, adjust your driving by doing the following:

Slow down! Rain or snow and ice cause roads to get slippery.
  • Keep a safe distance. If you are driving in wet or snowy conditions, give yourself at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
  • Brake gently to avoid skidding, and use low gears to avoid losing traction.
  • Do not engage your vehicle’s cruise control. Using cruise control on wet roads or during heavy rain can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 
  • Turn on your lights so you can see others, and they can see you.
  • Remember emergency maneuvers. If you start to skid, for example, don’t panic. Rather, let up on the brake or accelerator and look and steer in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
AAA also urges motorists to be equipped with winter car essentials, including:
  • Scraper/brush to clean ice off of your windshield. Using another object, such as a credit card or CD, could damage your auto glass.
  • Kitty litter, sand or scrap pieces of carpet, can help tires gain traction if stuck in snow or mud.
  • Jumper cables for unexpected battery failures.  
  • Folding shovel, when paired with sand or kitty litter, can help you get unstuck.  
Other tools that can help you stay safe in the event of a breakdown, including a cell phone and charger, blankets, hot packs to keep your hands and feet warm, water and non-perishable snacks.
For more information, visit  www.aaa.com/trafficsafety.