After scraping off frozen windows, hoisting piles of snow, and running five minutes behind schedule, there is nothing more disheartening than the sound of the car engine as it coughs, sputters, and dies.
William Whorley, the director of campus security and emergency management, recently addressed these predicaments of winter drivers in a campus-wide email. Whorley advised students to start and run their car engine every few days to maintain the battery, to keep the gas tank full to prevent a buildup of condensation, and to make time to clear the windshield of ice and snow for better visibility.
“It is hard to view pedestrians when you are attempting to look through a frosty four inch diameter clear space in your windshield,” he said in the email.
Especially at college, pedestrian safety is an important aspect of winter safety for drivers. Obeying the posted speed limits and remaining mindful of winter weather conditions are a part of cautious driving. Although Whorley noted that, due to the reduced speed limits, he rarely saw any fatal pedestrian injuries while working for the police department, the laws of physics do not favor pedestrians. Both drivers and walkers must exercise special caution during the winter.
“Winter safety isn’t just about cars, it’s about pedestrians,” Whorley said.
To the best of their ability, security patrols will help students who call and ask for assistance, whether that means jumpstarting their car or towing it out of a ditch.
“We’ll help any way we can,” Whorley said. “If you need something, we’re glad to help, anytime.”
Additionally, he noted, those who get stranded should take certain precautions while waiting for help to arrive. In order to ensure a supply of fresh air and prevent exhaust fumes from accumulating in the car, students should ensure that their tailpipe is clear, and the defrost vents just in front of windshield are clear of snow and ice. Emergency supplies, such as a spare coat or blanket, granola bars, and a flashlight are also useful.
According to Greg Bennett of Gene’s Service, a local automotive repair company, many winter car issues are easily prevented by a routine inspection before the cold weather sets in. He frequently sees issues such as failing batteries, clogged fuel filters, and broken wiper blades.
“Preventable maintenance is the big thing in winter, but people don’t think about it until it’s broken,” Bennett said.
Both Bennett and Whorley stressed the importance of preventative measures and winter vigilance. Many winter car issues are avoided entirely by planning extra time for defrosting windshields and scheduling routine maintenance checks.