4 Ways to Avoid Slipping / Falling on the Snow and Ice
1. "The Penguin"
Waddle to class across the ice by placing your feet slightly apart, shifting your body weight from side to side. You can't help but mimic our arctic friends by putting your arms out to the side to keep balance.
2. "The Tiptoe"
All those nights in high school spent sneaking out of your parents' house are finally put to the test by tiptoeing across the ice and snow. It might take you five hours to get to class, but at least you won't be sore the next day.
3. "The Stomp"
Why walk on the sidewalks at all? To avoid slipping on the street or icy paths to class, some students simply stomp into the snow instead. Sure your boots will take a beating, but it will be worth it.
4. "The Bumble"
If you are experiencing another Muncie ice storm, one last ditch effort to avoid sliding is simply to roll your way to class. Yes, roll. You will probably look like the Abominable sSowman from "Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer" at the end, but at least you can avoid the embarrassment of falling.
How to Dig Your Car Out
1. Check the tailpipe when you start the engine to prevent fumes from building up inside the car.
2. Break up ice around tires with a shovel, screwdriver or whatever you have handy. Make sure that the snow surrounding the car is not higher than the middle of the tires. If so, you need a shovel. You can also sprinkle salt (to melt the ice), sand or cat litter (to provide traction) around tires.
3. Place floor mats of the car or paper bags in front of / behind tires for traction. Be gentle on the accelerator and make sure no one is standing behind the car. Mats will most likely be ruined, but at least you can move your car.
4. Straighten wheels and use a low gear when moving car. If it doesn't move, you may need someone to push the car in the direction you want it to go.
5. Once freed, prepare for any more winter snow-ins by getting necessary items for the car in case you are stuck again.
Simple Car Kit
- A flashlight, flares or reflective triangle, distress sign, first aid kit, tool kit, emergency charger for cell phone.
-Appropriate winter wear: boots, hat, coat, gloves.
-Jumper cables, sand or kitty litter (for tire traction), ice scraper with brush, emergency tire sealant (for a flat tire), sleeping bag, blanket and chocolate (or whatever sweets you prefer).
Tips on Driving in Ice and Snow
-If the winter weather is making you leery about driving, it's best not to drive at all. However, if you absolutely have to travel into a blizzard, make sure the roads have been cleared or stick to the main roads as much as possible, and give yourself extra time to reach your destination. It is also recommended to read the owner's manual for specific tips for your car.
Driving on Icy Roads
-Keep lights and windshield clean (turn lights on to increase visibility)
-Decrease speed (use low gears to keep traction, never drive on cruise control)
-Leave plenty of room to stop and brake gently to avoid skidding. (If the wheels lock up, ease off the brake)
-Do not pass snow plows or trucks (or in Muncie's case, John Deeres). The drivers have limited visibility, and the roads are better behind them than in front of them.
What to do if your rear wheels skid
1. Take foot off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. (If the rear wheels are sliding left, steer left).
2. If the wheels start sliding the opposite direction after you gain control, ease the steering wheel towards that side. You might have to alternate the steering wheel a few times to regain control of the car.
3. If you have standard brakes, gently pump them. If you have anti-lock brakes, or ABS, apply steady pressure. It is normal to feel the brakes pulse.
What to do if your front wheels skid
1. Take your foot off the gas and shift to neutral.
2. As the wheels skid sideways, they will slow the car and gain traction. Then put the car in drive or release the clutch and gently accelerate.
Got Stuck? Follow these tips
Do not spin your wheels; it will just get sink the car deeper in the snow. Instead, turn wheels side to side to push some of the snow out of the way. Use a shovel to clear snow away from tires and from underneath the vehicle. Pour sand, gravel, rock salt, or kitty litter by the tires for traction. Then gently touch the gas pedal to ease car out.
If you are stranded, do not leave your car unless you know help is close. Light a flare or tie a brightly colored cloth from your antenna. As long as the exhaust pipe is clear, run the engine for approximately ten minutes every hour, but keep one window opened slightly so the car cannot seal shut from snow and ice. Keep warm with blankets to prevent hypothermia.
For more tips on driving in any condition, visit weather.com
Need a ride?
Charlie's Charter provides a free service around the Ball State University campus. Spring Semester times 6 p.m.-3:30 a.m. Sunday–Thursday, 4-7 p.m. Friday
Call 765-760-7433 or 765-285-5005
Stuck in the Snow?
The Department of Public Safety provides free assistance to Ball State students, employees and visitors with car troubles on campus. Call 765-285-1111
Services include:
-Jump dead batteries
-Unlock vehicle doors
-Inflate car and bicycle tires
-Provide transportation to buy gas
-Offer deicer for frozen doors
-Provides shovel and abrasives (ice, sand, gravel for traction), for vehicles stuck in snow or ice
Spring Semester Schedule: 6 p.m.-3:30 a.m. Sunday, 8 a.m.-3:30 a.m. Monday–Thursday, 8 a.m.-7 p.m. Friday
For more information about parking and vehicle services visit bsu.edu/parking
Necessary for Snow (Boots)
1. Avoid boots with high heels. Flat boots can be more comfortable and safer in the winter.
2. Base of the boots should be made out of rubber with ridges to prevent slips.
3. Outer boot should be waterproof to avoid damage from snow and salt, as well as keep your feet dry. If you are opting for the suede covered boots, be sure to waterproof them yourself or get a cleaning kit.
4. Depending on the amount of snow expected, a medium-high boot may be the best option. Too short and snow will seep into the boot, too high and it may be uncomfortable to walk in.
5. Check the lining of the boots. If it is very thin, you will have to wear thick socks to keep your feet warm while trudging to class.
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