As the cold sets in, we at Mountain Peaks want you to be careful and safe! Because it gets so chilly, many of us will start to travel more in our cars to stay warm during a commute or while running errands. Driving in the winter, though, means keeping an eye out to stay safe on the roads.
Drive Carefully
Before the heavy snows and ice set in, make sure to get your car checked out. Get snow-ready tires on, or make sure that your tires have sufficient tread. If you’re in an area that requires chains, get them before bad weather. Top off all your essential fluids like antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, oil, and gas before winter, and especially before a long trip.
Ice can be a danger to drivers. If you hit a slick patch, it’s important to keep calm. Pump, don’t slam, your brakes and turn your steering wheel opposite the direction of your skid. This will keep you from going into a spin or losing control.
Keep a bag of salt, sand, and/or kitty litter in your trunk. When the snow piles up, it can help you get out of a snowdrift or other sticky situation. Plus, you can use the salt to melt ice if you end up in an area where nobody maintains the ice in a parking lot or driveway.
Everyone remembers to scrape off their windshields, both front and back. But no matter how big a hurry you’re in, remember to brush snow off the top of the car, the side windows, and the headlights. Often warm air from the cab plus starting and stopping the car can fling a heavy sheet of snow and ice onto your windshield, blinding you completely. This can be extremely dangerous, especially if you’re on a highway. Plus, you’ll need to make sure everyone can see your headlights and that you can see the road.
Make sure you have a cold-weather kit in your car. This includes a blanket or sleeping bag, gloves, water, a shovel, first aid kit, phone charger, and flashlight. You may also want to add food and hand warmers. It’s not unheard of to become trapped in your vehicle during a severe snowstorm, and you’ll need to be prepared.
Trapped in Your Car?
Stay in your car! It’ll be warmer in there than outside. And rescuers have a better chance of finding you in your car than not, especially during a blizzard or whiteout. Insulate your car by using maps, mats, seat covers, etc. to keep heat in and cold out.
Don’t keep the engine running the whole time. You’ll need it to go for about 10 minutes per hour. Before you turn on your car, always go clear snow from your exhaust pipe first. Getting stuck in deep snow and then running the engine without clearing the pipe increases your chance of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Use your cold-weather kit. Drink lots of fluids and keep warm. Move around within your car as well to stay warm.
If it’s nighttime, keep the light on to increase the chances of someone finding you.
We have other tips for staying safe in the winter! For safe crossing in a parking lot or just shoveling snow, read these tips.