Complete Streets Bill Introduced in Legislature

No matter how many years of driving experience you may have, Vermont's winter weather always presents a wide variety of driving challenges. Snow, ice, fog and early nightfall are a few of the dangerous conditions you'll have to prepare for in the winter months.

Understanding how to drive safely in harsh weather conditions can protect you, your passengers and your vehicle. Stay safe on the road by following these winter driving tips, as recommended by the AARP Driver Safety Program.

1.  Winterize your vehicle to make sure your brakes, wipers, defroster, headlights and heater are all working properly.
 2.  Stop gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
 3.  Turn on your headlights to increase your visibility to other motorists, and keep your lights clean and free of ice or debris.
 4.  In unfavorable driving conditions, reduce your speed and increase the distance between your car and the one in front of you. Remember that it takes more time to stop on icy roads.
 5.  Stay alert. Look ahead to give yourself more time to react safely to situations without suddenly braking or skidding.
 6.  Before driving, clear all snow and ice from your vehicle's hood, windows and roof.
 7.  Use snow or all-season tires or chains for better traction and smoother slowing. Remember that even with snow tires, you should use extra caution while driving in inclement weather - no tires allow you to drive on snow or ice at normal speeds.
 8.  Take extra precautions on bridges, overpasses, and shaded areas, which can freeze first, and remain icy longer than roadways. A road on which ice and snow are completely frozen is pretty slippery, even though it provides more traction than a road with melting ice.
 9.  In wet driving conditions, do not drive faster than the windshield wipers can clear water from the windshield. Make sure your wiper blades are in good shape, and replace them yearly.
 10. Equip your car with emergency supplies, such as blankets, food, water, spare fuses, a flashlight with batteries, an ice scraper, flares and a first-aid kit.

Changing seasons bring new and different driving conditions, so consider registering for a driver-improvement course, such as the classroom or online courses offered by the AARP Driver Safety Program (www.aarp.org/driving45) to learn valuable safety tips to keep you and your passengers safe all year round.

Stay on your Feet!

Ah, winter in Vermont! This winter has been especially snowy and cold! Winter and all the weather-related issues are fun and exciting for younger Vermonters, but pose many health risks to older citizens. Here are a few tips to stay on your feet this winter!

• Wear Proper Footwear: Make sure it fits properly, use the closures (zippers, Velcro, laces) to get a secure fit;
• Wear winter boots with traction. Rubber remains grippy in colder temperatures, where polyurethane gets harder and more slippery on ice. Use grippers or "Yax Trax" on your boots if available. Be sure to remove them before stepping inside on a bare floor. A good alternative is golf shoes.
• Use handrails whenever possible
• Use walking aids such as walking sticks, canes or walkers outside
• Slow down and take small steps when walking on slippery surfaces
• When you leave your home, make sure someone knows you have left and give them an estimated time of return.
• If possible, take a cell phone, or if you don't have one, carry a whistle or something that makes a loud noise with you to call for help if you fall and can't get up.
• Start, or continue to do strengthening exercises, especially for your legs. This will help you maintain your balance, and if you fall, it will be easier for you to get back up. Leg squats and walking up and down stairs are great ways to keep your legs strong.