Utica AAA Advises Drivers Not To Use 4-Wheel Drive During Winter Storms
By: Rachel Polansky
Updated: December 27, 2012
As it is the first big snow-storm of the year, Utica AAA expects to be
busy. Battery replacements, jump starts, changing tires, and towing
vehicles are all part of their job. Eyewitness News spoke with Utica AAA
and they of course remind drivers to be patient and to slow down. But
something that might come as a surpise: They actually advise drivers not
to use their 4-wheel drive.
"If you can take it out of 4-wheel drive and drive with 2-wheel drive, I would do that. You won't be tempted to drive faster. I can't tell you how many times we tow somebody out of a ditch, they're just driving to fast for conditions and they just end up in a ditch. If the vehicle will drive without 4-wheel drive, leave it out," says Ed Welsh, Utica AAA.
AAA also reminds people to check your tires and battery. And keep your cars stocked with anti-freeze, wiper fluid, and a shovel.
"If you can take it out of 4-wheel drive and drive with 2-wheel drive, I would do that. You won't be tempted to drive faster. I can't tell you how many times we tow somebody out of a ditch, they're just driving to fast for conditions and they just end up in a ditch. If the vehicle will drive without 4-wheel drive, leave it out," says Ed Welsh, Utica AAA.
AAA also reminds people to check your tires and battery. And keep your cars stocked with anti-freeze, wiper fluid, and a shovel.
