Staying Safe During Winter Travel
Just like birds flocking south for the winter, many people choose winter as a good time to make their way to warmer climate. The US highways get very busy with students, snowbirds and sports nuts hitting the blacktop to get themselves from one part of the country to another. Consider these safety tips to keep yourself safe during winter travel.
If you will be driving, get your car checked out. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your car break down and to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure all the fluid levels are at manufacturer’s specifications, inspect the tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and have the battery checked. If it’s been awhile since your last tune up, have that done before you hit the road. Also, signing up for roadside assistance is a good idea.
Knowing how to drive in snow is of the utmost importance. Even though public services work hard to keep the streets clear, they can only do so much. There is always the chance that you will get caught in a snow down pouring so you should know how to negotiate a vehicle through it. The main skill you want to learn is how to handle skidding. If you get caught in a skid, the thing to remember is to turn the car in the direction you want it to go. Avoid using the brake as this usually only contributes to the problem.
You want to keep a close eye on the weather both on the home front and your destination. For drivers, plan the route you are going to take and use online tools to try to find out as much about the weather conditions as you can. Leave your planned travel route with a friend just in case you do not make it to your destination and a search team must come looking for you.
Don’t leave home without a travel kit. Your travel pack should have a basic first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a knife, a compass, a tow rope, jumper cables, kitty litter to help aid traction, ice scraper, water, extra blankets, non-perishable food, matches, portable radio and de-icer. Also, you’ll need to bring your cell phone as well as the charger that comes with it.
Your body requires more nutrition in the winter than it does in the summer. Therefore, always travel on a full stomach. Additionally, keep a day’s worth of food and water in the car just in case you get stranded. Do not put the food supplies in the truck because it could freeze.
Take breaks frequently to stave off driver fatigue. Getting through the snow requires more work so stop about every sixty to ninety minutes to get some fresh air. It’s amazing what a five minute break can do for your focus.
Winter travel can be a fun experience as long as you take the proper precautions. Be prepared for the worst but don’t let that detract you from enjoying the journey.
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