5 Tips On How To Drive Safely On These Icy Slick Highways In Wyoming

In the United States alone, hundreds of people die each year on America's highways. In Wyoming alone in 2014, over 135 people lost their lives on the road.  With all the crashes on I-80 recently, today on the Top 5 at 7:45, I'll highlight some safety tips as recommended by experts on weather driving in America.

1. Slow Down - Driving to fast is the number one cause of deaths on the highway. In a snow storm, you cannot drive safely even if you have a four wheel truck or SUV. People often think that just because they're in a big vehicle that they can handle high speeds on icy roads. This is a big misnomer.
2. Pay Attention To Highway Warning Signs - Many signs are digital across the country and should be taken seriously. If a sign tells you low visibility for the next 20 miles, then slow down and take heed.
3. Take Off Your Cruise Control - When black ice and snow hampers safety on the roadways, it's time to turn off the cruise control. In an effort to maintain the programmed speeds, hydroplaning and skidding can result in a car out of control with the cruise control on. If skidding and hydroplaning happens while in cruise control mode, your are just about destined to lose control of your automobile which could result in injury or fatality.
4. Stay Off My Backside - Another way of saying "Don't Tailgate" the guy in front of you. You should be driving slow in slick road conditions anyway, but definitely keep your distance from the vehicle in front of you. If you bump the guy in front of you, the person behind you may smash your car which can cause a fatal chain reaction. Don't risk it, you'll get there safely and soon enough.
5. Stay Home - There is nothing wrong with postponing a trip if the weather and road conditions are hideous. If there are road closures and fog due to bad weather, either leave later when it's safe, or plan a different day to depart. Your life is not worth you becoming another fatality on the roadways.

The Top 5 at 7:45 airs weekdays with me, Gary Freeman and sponsored by First Education Federal Credit Union. For more information on how roads are in your area, or where you plan to travel, visit Wyoming Road Report and get there safely.