Are You Ready for ... Winter Driving?

Winter is here and the snow has fallen. Are you and your car ready for the hazards that come with driving in the snow? There are a few items that you should have in your car during the winter that will make life much easier if an accident should happen to you or to the people around you this winter. Your needs may be different for around town trips vs. longer distances or for the type of vehicle you have or the number of people in your family. Below are some suggestions to get you thinking, but you should add or remove those things that will help you and your family. Make sure that you not only have these items in your car, but that you know how to use each of them.

• Ice scraper
• Gloves/hat
• Shovel
• Jumper cable
• Flashlight (that works)
• Blanket
• Tow rope
• Tire chains
• Money
• Snacks
• First-aid kit
• Hand/foot warmers
• Flare
• Sand/cat litter for traction
• Water

Have you gotten your vehicle winter-ready?

• Has your antifreeze and other fluids been checked?
• Do you need snow tires? Are your tires at the right pressure for winter?
• Do you keep your gas tank at least half full at all times in case you get stuck?
• Is your phone fully charged before you leave home and do you have all of the emergency numbers that you need?

Have you reviewed the rules of driving specific to winter?

• Four-wheel drive does not mean four-wheel stop. Your four-wheel drive vehicle will not stop quickly in icy conditions.
• Know your route. Don't go exploring, especially when a storm is brewing.
• Slow down in low visibility or whiteout conditions.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• If you become snow-bound, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don't try to walk in a severe storm. It's easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
• Make sure the exhaust pipe isn't clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into the passenger compartment with the engine running.
• If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and to conserve gasoline.