Sloppy Winter Weather Making Travel Difficult for Area Drivers

22 January 1998
Sloppy Winter Weather Making Travel Difficult for Area Drivers

       Indy Car Driver Lyn St. James' Top Tips for Safe Winter Driving

    AUBURN HILLS, Mich., Jan. 22 -- Driving a car can be
dangerous anytime, but this year's unusual conditions caused by the El Nino
weather system have made this winter particularly challenging for drivers
throughout Michigan and across the country.
    The continued sloppy weather will no doubt cause countless spins and
accidents on area roadways.  That is why Indy Car driver and automotive expert
Lyn St. James and ITT Automotive joined forces in "Drive Safer America!", a
national consumer awareness campaign designed to help drivers better
understand safe driving techniques and actively avoid accidents in poor
weather conditions.
    "The most important tool for safe driving is good common sense," according
Ms. St. James.  "Sloppy weather and traffic conditions make it necessary to
exercise greater caution, regardless of posted speed limits."

    Lyn St. James recommends that drivers familiarize themselves with these
simple techniques for safer winter driving:

    *  Allow extra time for your trip.

    *  Driver and all passengers should wear safety belts.

    *  Go slow on wet or icy roads.  It takes a greater distance to stop on a
wet or icy road than it does on a dry one.  Remember that bridges and
exit/entrance ramps can be icy even when other areas are not.

    *  Leave a longer interval between you and the vehicle ahead.

    *  Drive slowly through water, snow or slush.  Traveling at high speeds
through standing water may cause tires to lose contact with the road and
hydroplane.  If this occurs, hold the steering wheel steady and lightly apply
the brakes.  Slow down until the tires regain contact with the road.

    *  Know the difference between four-wheel ABS and conventional brakes.

    "It's extremely important that drivers understand their car's braking
system," says St. James.  "Unlike traditional brakes where you need to pump,
drivers of cars equipped with four-wheel anti-lock braking systems need to
firmly press the brake pedal while steering the vehicle where they want it to
go."
    As part of its "Drive Safer America!" consumer awareness initiative, ITT
Automotive has made a variety of safety information available free of charge.
    For more information on accident avoidance measures, visit ITT Automotive
on the Internet at http://www.ittautomotive.com/drivesafer or visit Ms. St. James'
site at http://www.lifetimetv.com/sports/lynstjames.  Consumers can also request a
free "Drive Safer America!" brochure and ABS instructional video by calling
toll-free at 800-694-5200.

    ITT Industries and its subsidiaries' news releases are available at no
charge via fax and the Internet.  For ITT Industries news and information on
the Internet, visit http://www.ittind.com; for ITT Automotive visit
http://www.ittautomotive.com.  To receive releases by fax, call 800-758-5804,
extension 110006 for ITT Industries, or extension 437525 for ITT Automotive.

SOURCE  ITT Automotive