b"YOUR TOOLKIT FOR BUILDING EXCELLENCEremaining tread depth because it allows snow7. Bright cloth or emergency flares,to be compressed in the grooves and released8. Fully charged phone with a charging cable as the tire rolls, improving stability.and a backup battery. Battery: Ensure your battery is fully charged9. Snacks and water.and in good condition, as cold weather can reduce its cranking amps. Many batteries have aSafe driving techniqueslifespan of only 3-5 years, and as they get older,It's crucial to practice winter weather maneuvers they may struggle to start the vehicle in colderon ice or snow, but always in a safe environment conditions. If your battery is approaching itslike an empty parking lot during daylight. expected service life, consider installing a newThis allows you to rehearse maneuvers slowly, one so the car will start reliably and not leavesuch as steering into a skid to understand how you stranded. your vehicle reacts.Driving the vehicle in icy Fluids:Keepyourfluidlevelsattheconditions in the parking lot can also give you manufacturer's recommended levels. Thisa better understanding of stopping distances.If includes antifreeze, windshield washer fluid,your vehicle has anti-lock brakes it is better to oil and gas or diesel. Do not allow these fluidstomp on them and if you have non-anti-lock levels to get too low, as this may cause them tobrakes, its better to pump them.The parking thicken up and in some cases, freeze. lot is a great place to practice. Lights: Ensure all headlights, taillights andWhen driving in wintry conditions, remember signal lights are working and clean.Properlyto drive cautiously.Prep for the drive by setting working and clean lights ensure you can seeup your GPS or music choice while parked to and other drivers can see you.avoid the temptation to do so while driving. Emergency kit preparation Check weather forecasts before heading out and identify road conditions that may be An emergency can occur at any time duringhazardous.Give yourself enough time to get winter weather.Preparing for those emergenciesto your destination; do not rush.If possible, with a survival kit is vital to employee safety.avoid driving if a severe storm is expected.Be sure you have a kit for each vehicle in yourOnce you leave, keep a safe driving distance fleet.The contents of an emergency kit canfrom the car ahead of you to allow more time vary, but at a minimum, it should include: to stop.If you encounter any slippery roads, 1. Blankets,slow down to maintain control of the vehicle. 2. A first-aid kit,Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly to avoid skidding, as abrupt actions can cause you to 3. Flashlight (with working batteries),lose control.Avoid using cruise control, as it 4. Jumper cables, (also consider stockingcan make it harder to control the vehicle.If you vehicles with a portable car battery jumper),find yourself in a skid and driving a front wheel drive vehicle, ease off the gas and steer into the 5. Ice scraper with snow brush, direction you want to go.If you are operating 6. A shovel along with traction material (sucha rear-wheel vehicle in a skid, maintain steady as sand or kitty litter), pressure on the accelerator, turn the steering wheel in the same direction the rear end is moving and correct the course once the skid continued on page: 22 FRAME BUILDER - VOL5 6/ 21"