Stay safe during winter months

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Katherine Windish
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Winter safety is something all Team Aviano members should take into consideration as the weather turns colder.

"The fall and winter months bring many driving hazards, especially on slick Italian roads," said Cledis Scandola, 31st Fighter Wing safety specialist. "The biggest challenge in this area during wintertime is black ice."

People should be particularly careful on the mountain highway, she continued, where the shade prevents ice from melting and the sharp curves are especially dangerous.

She provided the following tips to help drivers avoid losing control on black ice:

-Slow down and try to anticipate stops.
-Remembering that intersections might be extra slick because of the polishing effect of so much traffic.
-Slow down gradually. Hard, sudden braking can lock up brakes and cause skidding.
-Avoid jerking the steering wheel.
-It is important to have a plan in place. The following are some items to consider putting in your vehicles: flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with pocket knife, necessary medications, blanket(s), tow chain or rope, booster cables, emergency flares, and a fluorescent distress flag.

The Friuli-Venezia Giulia area also experiences a lot of rain and fog this time of year, which can be as much of a danger as icy roads.

"Seventy percent of vehicle accidents are influenced by weather conditions," Scandola said. "People need to take weather into account when driving, leave earlier for work, drive slower and keep a safe distance."

Scandola also recommend investing in snow tires and chains. Snow tires alone shorten a vehicles braking distance by 13 percent. Snow tires reinforced with snow chains shorten the distance by 37 percent.

It is also Italian law to have either snow tires or snow chains when traveling on the Autostrada or through the mountains. Failure to do so can result in a severe fine.
Winter tires can be bought at The Exchange or Auto Hobby Shop and snow chains can be found at most local gas stations.

The Auto Hobby Shop also provides winterization services by draining and refilling antifreeze and doing a fluid check. They can also check tire tread upon request. For more information or to schedule an appointment call DSN 632-CARS.

The base offers a number of ways to stay alert on important winter advisories. Base personnel can tune into the American Forces Network radio or television stations, the Aviano Facebook page, the public website at www.aviano.af.mil or call the Straight Talk Line at DSN 632-3172 to get the most up-to-date information on road conditions and local weather advisories.