Tips for Safe Winter
Road Trips
Winter road trips offer
beautiful scenery and fun destinations for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing
and more. But driving in winter storms can be potentially dangerous. If you are
planning a trip this winter, be prepared with these simple safety tips.
- Have a basic safety inspection performed on
your vehicle before you leave.
- Pack basic safety supplies (jumper cables,
flares, flashlights, etc.)
- If possible, don’t travel alone.
- Tell someone when you are leaving, the roads
you plan to travel, and let them know an approximate time you are expected
to arrive at your destination.
- If you do get stuck, your best strategy is to
stay in the car and wait for help rather than trying to walk. It is easy
to become disoriented in a snowstorm.
- Run the engine and heater as little as
possible so that your fuel lasts until help arrives.
- Check your exhaust pipe and make sure it is
clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide from collecting inside the
vehicle.
- Pack nutritious snacks in the car to provide
energy.
- Be sure to have potable water in the car as
well to prevent dehydration.
- Eating snow will lower your body temperature.
So if you are without water, melt the snow before trying to drink it.
Most importantly, if you have
any doubt about your vehicle’s condition, have a professional auto repair shop
or local mechanic inspect your car before you head out. Enjoy your cold-weather
adventures and have more fun out there now that you are prepared with these
winter travel safety tips.