The holiday season is a time of celebration for many people. However, this season can sometimes bring extreme weather conditions that make driving dangerous. While staying indoors may keep you safe from the elements, you can’t avoid going outside during winter.
The following are some tips on how you can stay safe while driving during the holiday season:
1. Have your car checked by auto experts
Before the winter sets in, bring your vehicle to auto experts who are highly skilled in identifying and solving any problems you may have with your vehicle. They can also advise you on how to prepare your vehicle for winter, what services they can offer and how much they charge.
2. Plan your trip ahead of time and check weather conditions
Because weather conditions can change drastically during winter, it is imperative that you plan your trip ahead of time. Check which route is the best and safest to your destination. While on the road, do not rely solely on your GPS. Bring an actual map just in case. In addition, try to call road condition hotlines of the Department of Transportation every few hours for updates on weather conditions. If you’re traveling along mountain areas, pay close attention to avalanche conditions. Road closures are common in those areas.
3. Pack a winter travel safety kit
You need to pack this kit in case you have an emergency on the road. Ready.gov recommends that every traveler should have these supplies in their kit:
• First aid kit containing necessary medications
• Flashlights and extra batteries
• Food containing protein such as nuts and energy bars
• Water for each person and pet in your car
• AM/FM radio that you can listen to for traffic reports
• Blankets and/or sleeping bags
• Warm clothes, jacket, gloves, hat, boots and extra change of clothes
• Jumper cables
• Ice scraper
• Shovel
4. Eat enough food and drink plenty of water
The body needs more nourishment during winter. Avoid eating sweets. Pick healthier options such as fruit or some stew. Drink plenty of water. A study conducted by the Mayo Clinic states that 1 to 2% loss of body weight can be deadly as this can cause fatigue and reduced alertness. To prevent this, you need to keep yourself hydrated by drinking approximately five to six 16 oz. bottles of water every day.
5. Reduce your speed
You need to slow down when you drive during winter. Posted speed limits are only applicable for ideal travel conditions. It is best to reduce speed by 50 percent when driving on slippery roads. But don’t go too slow. You also need momentum to keep moving through snow.
6. Learn how you can recover from skids
If you start to skid, don’t panic. Do not brake or accelerate as this may have more disastrous consequences. Look where you want your vehicle to go and try to steer towards that direction.
7. Make frequent stops
You need to make frequent stops to go to the bathroom as well as to give you time to stretch – at least every 2 hours
8. Always bring your cell phone, charger, an extra phone battery and/or a power bank
Your cell phone is your lifeline during emergencies. Make sure that it is always ready for use. Invest in a car charger as well as a solar charger or a power bank. These will come in handy in case you are on the road for an extended period.
9. Make sure that you have emergency contact numbers
Store emergency numbers in your phone and keep a copy of the numbers in your glove compartment. You can also download apps for roadside assistance so you can easily ask for help in cases of emergency.
10. Stay in your vehicle if it breaks down or gets stuck in the snow
If you get stranded on the road, do not leave your vehicle. Keep yourself and your passengers warm while waiting for assistance. You also need to make sure that your exhaust pipe is not obstructed with snow and ice as this can cause carbon monoxide gas to build up inside the vehicle.
Don’t take risks on the road. Be safe and enjoy the holidays!
