Winter Travel
Winter is a beautiful time of the year but can turn dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken. By practicing safe winter driving habits such as planning ahead, watching your speed, staying alert and wearing seat belts you increase your chances of reaching the destination safely.
When traveling in winter it is important to stock your vehicle with some basic winter driving necessities:
- Scraper/Brush
- Small Shovel
- Jumper Cables
- Tow Chain
- Bag of Sand or Cat Liter
- Blanket
- Road Flares
It is wise to create a winter survival kit for your vehicle in case you are stranded. The kit should include:
- Metal Bucket or Coffee Can
- Candle & Matches (light the candle in the metal container to keep warm)
- Energy Bars/High Energy Non-Perishable Food
- Band Aids
- Aspirin
- Enamel Cup (you can melt snow in this for drinking)
- Large Garbage Bags (use these if needed to keep torso, legs and feet warm)
Other winter travel tips:
- Plan a travel route; let someone know when you are leaving and your route. If you don’t arrive to the destination the authorities know where to start looking.
- Check the weather and road conditions before leaving, if possible, don’t travel alone.
- Drive defensively, watch for ice patches.
- Keep your cell phone fully charged.
- If your car becomes disabled or you go into the ditch STAY WITH THE VEHICLE. Your chances of survival increase and the likelihood of being found is much greater than if you leave your vehicle in search of help.