Just like birds flocking south for the winter, many people choose winter as a good time to make their way to warmer climate. The US highways get very busy with students, snowbirds and sports nuts hitting the blacktop to get themselves from one part of the country to another. Consider these safety tips to keep yourself safe during winter travel.
If you will be driving, get your car checked out. The last thing you want to have happen is to have your car break down and to get stranded in the middle of a snowstorm. Make sure all the fluid levels are at manufacturer’s specifications, inspect the tires for proper inflation and tread depth, and have the battery checked. If it’s been awhile since your last tune up, have that done before you hit the road. Also, signing up for roadside assistance is a good idea.
Being comfortable driving in snow is very important if you want to avoid getting in a serious accident. Although the city does its best to get snow and ice off the road so drivers can travel safely, they can only do so much. There is a good chance you’ll be on the road when it starts to snow so you need to be able to get through it. Mostly, you’ll want to know how to deal with skidding. The proper way to handle a skid is to turn the car in the direction you want it to go while avoiding braking. Braking often contributes to the skid.
You always want to stay on top of the weather from both where you are starting and where you are ending. Plan your route and then research weather conditions using online tools. Give an itinerary of your trip to an emergency contact just in case the unthinkable happens and you do not make it to where you were going. This will give emergency services a starting place to look should they need to come searching for you.
Don’t leave home without a travel kit. Your travel pack should have a basic first aid kit, a flashlight with extra batteries, a knife, a compass, a tow rope, jumper cables, kitty litter to help aid traction, ice scraper, water, extra blankets, non-perishable food, matches, portable radio and de-icer. Also, you’ll need to bring your cell phone as well as the charger that comes with it.
Your body requires more nutrition in the winter than it does in the summer. Therefore, always travel on a full stomach. Additionally, keep a day’s worth of food and water in the car just in case you get stranded. Do not put the food supplies in the truck because it could freeze.
Take breaks frequently to stave off driver fatigue. Getting through the snow requires more work so stop about every sixty to ninety minutes to get some fresh air. It’s amazing what a five minute break can do for your focus.
Winter travel can be fun and exciting. However, if you are unprepared the trip could turn into a nightmare. Avoid this by taking the time to bring together all the tools you’ll need for a safe trip. Use common sense, take your time and enjoy the ride.