Tip of the Week: Winter Driving Safety Tips
As we approach and continue through the Holiday Season, there will be road trips and winter weather in the forecast! It’s estimated 63.9 million people will travel 50 miles or more from home during this year’s holiday travel period, with more than 52.4 million traveling by automobile. Keeping you and your family safe is a #1 priority to ensure you have a safe holiday season.
Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for the elements and reach your destination safely.
Prepare before you go:
1. Check the fluids, tire tread, the air pressure in your tires, and wiper blades. Make sure you have chains in the car or snow tires if needed. Don’t forget to check the spare tire to make sure it is in good condition.
2. Check your gas tank and make sure you fill up before departure. Always try to keep your gas tank at least half full. You don’t want to run out of gas if you get stranded.
3. Clear your vehicle of all snow and ice before you depart. Snow falling off your car while you’re driving can be very dangerous to other drivers, and to you as well.
4. Keep an emergency pack in your vehicle to include extra blankets & pillows, gloves, hat, coat, water, snacks, flashlight, shovel, jumper cables, car phone charger, flares and a bag of kitty litter (for use as a traction aid). If you do end up stranded, you will want to make sure everyone stays warm and has something to snack on until you are up and running again. Don’t forget your family pet either!
While on the road:
5. Keep your phone charged. A dead cell phone is useless if you can’t call for help.
6. Map out your route and let someone know where you are going and your ETA. It is a good idea to have someone as your advocate if you don’t make your destination expected arrival time.
7. Make frequent rest stops. Get out of your vehicle and stretch about every couple of hours or so, and if possible, avoid driving at night. Certainly, don’t drive if you’re tired.
8. Do not drive using cruise control on wet, Icy and sanded roads. Cruise control is not effective or safe under these conditions.
9. Drive with your headlights on.
10. If you do get stuck, stay in your vehicle. Check your exhaust pipe and make sure it is not packed with ice or snow. The exhaust fumes will back up into your car while you’re waiting for help and carbon monoxide can build up inside your vehicle.
Hopefully, if you follow these tips before hitting the road, your travel destination will go more smoothly this holiday season. Happy Holidays!
Additional Resources:
AAA: How to drive on ice and snow .pdf
Human Society: Traveling with your pet
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