Safety office reminds residents to have a safe winter

  • Published
  • By Airman Kenna Jackson
  • 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan --  With winter on its way, the 35th Fighter Wing Safety Office reminds residents of several ways to have a safe winter.

First, all four wheeled vehicles are required to have four winter tires or all-weather tires from Nov. 15 - March 31.

Chains on the drive wheels are authorized but studded wheels are prohibited on any wheels.

Motorcycles are not authorized after 15 Nov, or at the wing commander' s discretion, depending on the weather.

The three most common causes for vehicle accidents during the winter are:

· Vehicles inadequately prepared for weather conditions
· Driving too fast for the conditions
· Following too close

To avoid getting into an automobile accident, practice defensive driving, always assume the roads are slick and give yourself plenty of stopping room.

Before driving, ensure the windows, mirrors, hood, trunk, roof, light lenses and the license plate of your vehicle are clear of snow and ice.

When driving in school zones, reduce your speed, allow extra stopping distance, be vigilant of children crossing the street, and do not pass school buses.

"The goal of the safety office is to ensure that all Misawa personnel are prepared with the applicable winter driving safety knowledge in an effort to avoid preventable traffic safety mishaps," said Master Sgt. Xaviera McFadden, 35th Fighter Wing Ground Safety manager.

One way to prepare for such mishaps is be to keep a winter car kit in your vehicle.

Recommendations for winter car kits include the following:

· Flashlight
· Flares or reflective triangles
· Distress sign
· Money
· First aid supplies
· Basic tools to get your car running
· A tire iron and a spare
· A fully charged cell phone with emergency phone numbers
· Water-proof boots
· Winter hat with ear covers
· An extra winter coat
· Gloves
· Jumper cables
· Sand or kitty litter (for traction getting out of slippery situations)
· An ice scraper and brush
· Blankets/sleeping bags
· Water
· High energy foods

A safety briefing about winter driving etiquette, mandatory for drivers who've been stationed on base for less than 24 months, is scheduled for the 28-29 of Nov.

Also, the safety office is planning a class to show people how to drive in the winter here.

"Slippery Weasel" is designed to educate personnel on, preparing vehicles for winter, teaching the mechanics of driving on snow and ice and teach drivers techniques for braking and vehicle control.

The course, scheduled for the middle of December, located on the security hill, rapid runway repair lot on north base.

The date depends on snowfall and is at the discretion of the 35th Fighter Wing commander.

There are more winter-related events being planned and more information will be made available as it comes out.