By Adriana Noton
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.
Before you get on the road, have your car thoroughly inspected. It is doubtful that you would want to be stranded in a snowstorm because your car broke down. Have the fluid levels, tire tread depth and pressure and battery checked to make sure all are in tip top shape. If it has been some time since your car was tuned up then have that done before putting it on the road.
Knowing how to drive in snow is of the utmost importance. Even though public services work hard to keep the streets clear, they can only do so much. There is always the chance that you will get caught in a snow down pouring so you should know how to negotiate a vehicle through it. The main skill you want to learn is how to handle skidding. If you get caught in a skid, the thing to remember is to turn the car in the direction you want it to go. Avoid using the brake as this usually only contributes to the problem.
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 forget to pack 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, don’t forget to bring along your cell phone’s car charger.
In addition to eating well before you set out, you want to carry food and water with you in case you get stranded. Keep about one day’s worth of food and at least 6 bottles of water in the car with you. Don’t put it in the truck as it is more likely to freeze there.
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.
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