Don’t Get Stuck in the Snow! Winter Road Trip Safety Tips
Don’t Get Stuck in the Snow! Winter Road Trip Safety Tips
It has been a mild winter for most but, we still have a few more months of cold weather to endure. Snowy weather can make driving difficult so here are some winter road trip safety tips for how to prepare yourself, your family and your car.
Before you Leave:
- Have your vehicle inspected by an approved auto repair facility to make sure it is in peak operating condition.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
- Keep updated on weather reports prior to the trip, especially if you’re visiting an isolated area. Delay your trip when bad weather is expected. However if you must leave, let others know your destination, planned route, and estimated time of arrival.
- Pack a roadside emergency kit that includes blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, important medication, and matches or a lighter. (Remember: newer vehicles no longer have a built-in lighter). Also, pack some sort of warning device like lights, flares or hazard triangles.
- Even if you drive well in the snow, not everyone else does. If you can, stay home and delay your trip rather then tempting fate.
If you Become Stuck in the Snow:
- Don’t over exert yourself trying to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.
- Stay with your vehicle; it provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you.
- If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill while trying to conserve gasoline.
- If the engine is running, make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide fumes to leak into the passenger compartment.
- It is important to try and remain warm. Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window as a distress signal.
- If you become stranded after dark, keep the dome light on. It only uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
Hopefully with these safety tips, you wont freeze up if you find yourself in a situation like this. If you want to learn more tips on safety and risk preperation, or if you have any questions about your automobile insurance, check with Lawley’s Personal Insurance team. We would be happy to answer any of your questions
Post authored by Claire May. Originally published February 12, 2016. View original post
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