Winter season lingers, safety matters Published Jan. 23, 2009 By Thea Skinner 21st Space Wing Public Affairs PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- In spite of some recent warm weather, the winter season is still in effect in Colorado, and the winter season brings the need for specialized attention to safety. Since the weather may turn from sunny to snowy in a matter of minutes, winter preparation is essential. Personnel can take just a few steps to make their winter and particularly their winter driving safer: -- Assess the situation -- Consider options to limit risk -- Take appropriate action, Known as ACT, in winter driving and sports safety, this acronym is designed to help personnel mitigate risk in any situation. Winterizing a vehicle can be done by checking its functions and gathering a vehicle survival kit. Inspecting equipment, such as emergency signals, heater, lights, tires and wiper blades, along with checking the level of washer fluid and antifreeze helps avoid some hazardous driving situations. Creating a winter car survival kit assists in an emergency. Items to include in the kit are: blanket, jumper cables, chains, first-aid kit, flashlight, ice scraper, matches and candles, sand or gravel, shovel, water and high energy foods. During inclement weather, practice defensive driving by allowing more space between vehicles and increasing stopping distances. In winter sports activities, use the Wingman system and never try to go it alone. Warm up slowly, take lessons, control skis, sleds, and snow boards, and give people in front the right of way. Most importantly, understand your limitations and stop before becoming dangerously tired. (Information provided by the 21st Space Wing Safety Office)