Traffic safety doesn't take a holiday Published Dec. 21, 2012 By Master Sgt. Jake Chappelle 446th Airlift Wing Public Affairs MCCHORD FIELD, Wash. -- A lot of people tend to forget about the myriad of potential safety dangers, which can occur this time of year. Most of the time, they're inundated with holiday "hoo rah," and put their safety in jeopardy in order to be first in line for that new smartphone or laptop, last-minute shopping, making rounds to office parties, and the occasional family getaway. But there are a couple stocking stuffers of why Citizen Airmen and their families should plan ahead when making that last-minute rush before hitting the road from mid-December to the new year. "If you're planning to enjoy adult beverages with your holiday festivities, make sure those plans don't include being behind the wheel of a vehicle," said Chaplain (Maj.) Pierre Allegre, 446th Airlift Wing Chaplain. Speaking of behind the wheel, there were nearly 4,700 traffic accidents reported to the Washington State Department of Transportation last year, from Dec. 15, 2011 to Jan. 8, 2012. According to WSDOT, these mishaps took place in the counties of: Clark, Cowlitz, King, Kitsap, Lewis, Pierce, Snohomish, and Thurston. About 300 of them were alcohol or drug related, according to WSDOT. Allegre stresses exercises strong judgment when planning to drink during the holidays. "Have a designated driver or stay home," he said. "Festivity and parties are great, but like all good gifts, enjoy them in moderation." Most Reservists who plan on travelling to Eastern Washington, might have to pass through the mountains. Senior Master Sgt. David Ponce, 446th AW chief of Ground Safety, has some tips for those who choose to drive through the peaks or in icy road conditions. "Don't go out until the snow and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work, and allow yourself extra time to reach your destination," he said. When driving in icy conditions, Ponce says: · Drive slower than normal and allow plenty of room to stop. There should be at least three times more space than usual between two vehicles. · Brake gently to avoid skidding. If the wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake. · Turn on the headlights to increase your visibility to other motorists. · Keep the lights and windshield clean. · Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills. · Don't use cruise control or overdrive. · Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, there might be ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways. · Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. · Don't assume four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can handle all conditions. Ponce adds, if the rear wheels start to skid: · Release the accelerator. · If the rear wheels are sliding left, steer left. If they're sliding right, steer right. · If they start to slide the other way, ease the steering wheel toward that side. · Standard brakes should be pumped gently. · With anti-lock brakes, apply steady pressure to the brakes. If the front wheels start to skid: · Release the accelerator and shift the transmission to "neutral," but don't try to steer immediately. · As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the vehicle and traction will return. As it does, begin to steer in the proper direction. Put the transmission in "drive" or release the clutch, and accelerate gently. Regardless of people's plans for the holidays, Secretary of the Air Force Michael Donley, Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Mark A. Welsh III, and Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force James Roy send a holiday message to Airmen. "In the many joyous ways we celebrate this holiday season, we wish you and yours the very best during this special time and throughout the new year." For travel alerts and road conditions in Washington state, go the WSDOT website at http://www.wsdot.com/traffic/ or the mobile site http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/small/.