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AAA aides at least 800 drivers since snowfall

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For Greene County News

DAYTON — Falling temperatures combined with snowy, wet conditions may be troubling for Miami Valley area drivers. These conditions will likely lead to frozen doors and windows as well as creating favorable conditions for black ice. Since midnight Tuesday, AAA’s Roadside Rescue Team has come to aid of more than 100 stranded Miami Valley area drivers; AAA responded to nearly 700 calls for assistance Monday.

AAA Tips for frozen doors, door locks and windows:

– Keep seals dry. Wipe down and dry weather strips and surfaces around doors and windows. Apply a lubricant (WD40, cooking spray and even Vaseline work well) to the weather stripping.

– Do not force power windows. If windows are frozen do not continue to push the power window buttons, it can damage the mechanics inside the door and can also cause the window to break.

– Never pour water on windows or locks. If locks are frozen, do not use water to thaw instead use commercial deicing products or heat the key and lock with a hair dryer. A lighter can also be used to heat the key.

– Use defroster to clear ice on windshield. If windshield wipers are frozen to the windshield, use the heater and defroster to melt the ice before turning the windshield wipers on. When you arrive at your destination pull the windshield wipers away from the windshield to prevent refreezing.

Tips for Braking on Black Ice:

– Minimize the need to brake on ice. If you’re approaching a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed. Car control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.

– Control the skid. In the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front of the car to go.

– If your car has an anti-lock braking system (ABS): Do not remove your foot from the brake during a skid. When you apply the brakes hard enough to make the wheels lock momentarily, you will typically feel the brake pedal vibrate and pulsate back against your foot. This is normal and the system is working as designed. Do not release pressure on the pedal or attempt to “pump” the brakes.

– If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to modulate the pressure applied to the brake pedal so that the brakes are at the “threshold” of lockup but still rotating.

Story courtesy of AAA Public Affairs Manager Cindy Antrican.