By Carver County Sheriff Deputy Charles Possert
Winter is coming and it’s time to start thinking about winter travel safety. Although this winter may be a little different in the midst of a pandemic, travel and vehicle safety still apply. Here are a few ideas and tips to make your winter travel as safe as possible.
Prepare Your Car
Take a few minutes and put together a winter emergency kit for each vehicle in your household. These kits are useful year round and a great gift idea. The kits should contain:
- cell phone, portable charger, and extra batteries
- blankets – wool blankets are ideal
- a spare hat and gloves
- food and water (nonperishable items such as canned nuts or fruit)
- booster cables, flares, tire pump, and a bag of sand or cat litter (for traction)
- small shovel
- tow cables
- compass and maps
- flashlight, battery-powered radio, and extra batteries
- first-aid kit
- plastic bags (for sanitation)
- tool kit – crescent wrench, pliers, multi-tool, screwdrivers, duct tape, etc.
- brightly colored cloth – for signaling
- flashlight and spare batteries
While a winter emergency kit is useful, it’s far better to avoid finding yourself in a position where you need to use it. Spend a few minutes going over your vehicle to ensure it is in top mechanical shape going into winter. Winter wreaks havoc on mechanical systems especially batteries and heating and cooling systems. Make sure to check:
- Battery – check for corrosion, ensure terminals are tight, have a qualified mechanic load test your battery if you have any doubt. Most auto parts stores have testing equipment on hand and will do a battery check-up free of charge.
- Cooling System – ensure the radiator and overflow bottle are full of the appropriate coolant. For only a few dollars you can buy a device called a hydrometer which tells you at what temperature your coolant stops protecting your engine. Ideally your coolant should protect down to -34F.
- Belts/Hoses – check all hoses and belts for signs of cracking and wear.
- Tires – check tire pressure and ensure you have sufficient tread depth. Consider replacing your tires if you have less than 5/32’ of tread depth remaining. Winter specific tread patterns are available and very effective.
- Washer Fluid – fill your washer fluid bottle with a winter appropriate fluid. A clean and defrosted windshield can help prevent trouble on the road.
Prepare Yourself
Check the weather before you travel. Share your travel plans and the route you intend to take with someone who can check up on you if you are overdue at your destination. Bring along a sufficient supply of any medications you or your travel companions may require. Stay home if there is any doubt.
Before you depart, ensure the vehicle is full of fuel and avoid going below a half tank. By maintaining a half tank of fuel, you have reserve fuel which can be used to operate the engine and stay warm until help arrives.
Changing our driving behavior is also an important aspect of winter safety.
- In poor road conditions, increase your following distance to give more time to react. Try to stay 8-10 seconds behind the vehicle ahead.
- Accelerate and decelerate slowly and by smooth application of the brake or accelerator.
- Avoid stopping on hills
- Slow down!
- Always use your seat belt
- Do not use cruise control on slippery roads
- Don’t closely follow snow plows and pass them with care
React in an Emergency
If you find yourself in a winter emergency, consider the following safety tips:
- Stay in your vehicle – this is especially important if you have gone off the roadway. Chances are if the roadway is so bad you lost control, someone else will also. If another motorist loses control, you are far safer seat belted into the protective steel body of your vehicle. Don’t try to walk to help in a storm. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle and become disoriented. Emergency personnel will find you more quickly if you stay with your vehicle.
- Run your vehicles engine and heat for 10 minutes out of every hour. If your vehicle is surrounded in snow, ensure the tail pipe is free of obstruction to avoid carbon monoxide buildup inside the vehicle. When the car is running, turn on the interior lights. Avoid using vehicle systems that use electricity when the vehicle is not running to prevent a dead battery. When the heat is running, crack a window for air exchange.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your vehicle antennae, utility rack, upturned windshield wiper, or any other available high point.
- Insulate yourself with blankets and any additional clothing items in the vehicle. Huddle with other people for warmth.
- Stay awake and moving. Move your arms and legs to keep blood flowing. Activity will help keep you warm.
The old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is apropos when speaking about winter travel safety. Consider discussing these safety tips with friends and family. Encourage your loved ones to take steps in advance to ensure a safe and trouble free winter season.