Drive Safer America! Offers Winter Driving Tips

AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 14, 2002; Winter driving conditions require proper planning and preparation for even the most experienced and skilled drivers. Many of today's new vehicles are designed to help drivers avoid critical driving situations, which in combination with caution and common sense can help prevent accidents. Continental Teves, sponsor of Drive Safer America!, and a world leader in the design, development and supply of critical brake and chassis systems that contribute to driving safety and comfort, offers the following Winter Driving Tips:

Be patient. Give the snowplows time to clear the roads and apply road salt before leaving the house. In severe weather conditions, it may be wiser to stay home unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. Check road conditions before traveling. Remember to be extra careful when driving on bridges and overpasses; they are the first to freeze over. Be aware of black ice. Black ice occurs when the road appears to be dry but is darker and shinier than usual. Slow down when driving through these areas. Always Buckle Up! Three of five people killed in vehicle accidents would have survived their injuries had they been wearing their seat belts. Children 12 years and younger should sit in the rear seat. Infants weighing less than 20 pounds or under the age of one should be placed in a certified, rear-facing child safety seat. Children up to four years of age should be placed in a certified child safety seat. Plan ahead. If possible, use alternate routes rather than traveling up or down steep hills or on roads with sharp turns. Even if the drive takes you a little longer, it's better to get there safely. Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Keep your tires properly inflated and check tread depth regularly (refer to your owner's manual). Consider snow tires if you live in an area that receives a lot of snow. Replace wiper blades as needed and make sure you have plenty of wiper fluid for proper visibility. Keep extra distance between yourself and other cars. Slick conditions can greatly increase the distance it takes to come to a stop; stopping distances on snow may be 3-5 times longer than on dry roads. Take your time. Everything takes longer in slippery conditions -- accelerating, stopping and turning. Don't make abrupt direction or steering changes -- gradually accelerate, brake and steer. Allow for increased travel times. Stay Alert. Make sure you're aware of what other drivers around you are doing. If you must use your cell phone, pull off the road in a safe area. Stay in Control. If you do begin to skid, take your foot off the brake and gas pedals and turn in the direction of the skid. If you have to stop on a slippery surface and your vehicle is equipped with an anti-lock brake system (ABS), remember to "Stomp, Stay and Steer" (Stomp on the pedal, Stay on the pedal, and Steer to a safe path). If your vehicle does not have ABS, you may need to pump the brakes slowly to bring it to a stop. If your car begins to hydroplane while you're driving through standing water, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply the brakes until your wheels regain contact with the road. Keep your low beam headlights on ... no matter what time of day it is. Get Help Quickly. If you encounter problems, pull off the road as far as possible, open your hood and turn on your hazard lights. Place a "Call Police" sign in your rear window. For more safe driving tips and information, visit www.drivesaferamerica.org .

Continental Teves, headquartered in Frankfurt/Main Germany, is a unit of Continental AG, Hanover, Germany. With 2001 sales of approximately $10 billion (US), the Continental Corporation is a major supplier of brake systems, chassis components, vehicle electronics, tires and technical rubber products. Continental Teves' North American operation is headquartered in Auburn Hills, Mich. For additional information, visit these websites: www.conti-online.com and www.contitevesna.com .