Since we have had a few minor weather inconveniences due to
snow and ice, I felt it necessary to review important things to consider when
driving in winter conditions. We already
covered getting your car prepared for winter, but it is also important to
prepare yourself for everything that winter can throw at you.
The first thing is preparation. Now is the
time to get all the things ready that you should have in your vehicle just in
case you have a problem this winter. If you live in an area where winter can
strike early and hard, such as around Hazleton as I have experienced, all of
these items can prove of great importance, and in extreme cases, could mean the
difference between life and death! A winter survival kit should include; a snow
shovel (collapsible ones are handy and do not take up much space), a
scraper/snow brush, tire chains if you travel in an area that gets a lot of
snow, a flashlight with extra batteries, a bag of cat litter, sand or salt
incase you get stuck, jumper cables, flares or an emergency triangle, and a
bright colored cloth to signal for help.
You should also have a tight-sealing
container in which you pack candles, matches or lighter, bottled water and
snacks such as energy bars. Some of the most important things you should have
in your car during the winter are; mittens or insulated gloves and a ski mask,
a sleeping bag or blankets, first aid supplies, and any prescription
medications for at least 2 days including diabetic supplies and a fully charged
cell phone. I know this list sounds extensive and maybe a bit extreme, but it
is much better to be over prepared than to be stranded and possibly not see
help for a couple days. This happened to
man from Pine Grove a few years ago, he was on his way home from work on RT 501
just a few miles north a Myerstown and got stuck. His car sat completely buried on the roadway
in a drift for three days until he was rescued.
When you
experience bad weather, it’s also imperative to use common sense. As soon as
roads become slick, slow down and increase the distance between you and the
vehicle in front of you. If someone insists on following you too closely, pull
over when safe and let them pass. One fallacy that many fall victim to is that ‘I
have a 4WD so I do not have to worry.’ Yes, 4WD definitely gives you more
traction and gets you moving better, but, most 4WDs are heavier vehicles and
that extra weight will actually increase braking distances on slick roads.
Also, on ice, 4WD actually can be more tricky while under power and stopping.
Giving extra room not only allows you more chance to stop, but if the vehicle
in front of you or an oncoming vehicle has problems, you have more time and
space to take evasive action.
If you find
yourself in a skid, there are a number of things to remember and to consider
depending on the situation. If the rear wheels are skidding, take your foot off
the gas and steer in the direction that the car is sliding. If the front wheels
skid, take your foot off the gas, shift into neutral and allow the car to slow
itself and then start to apply light braking and steer in the direction you
want to go. Even an expert can sometimes have trouble recovering from a skid.
Snow tires can aid you in snow, but they will not make much difference on ice
unless they are studded.
Should your
car break down or you become stuck, there are a few things to remember. If you
are able, try to get your car safely off the road surface. Put out flares or
the warning triangle to increase your visibility with other drivers. If you are
stuck, you should try to shovel your vehicle out, use some abrasive material
for traction and see if you can rock yourself free. If you are unable to get
free, make a call for help, but do not over use your phone as to retain its
charge. You can run your engine for heat about ten minutes every hour, but
leave a window open slightly for ventilation and always keep snow clear of your
exhaust to prevent carbon monoxide buildup. Use your blankets or sleeping bag
to keep warn and ration yourself on your snacks and water so that you do not
exhaust your supply. Also remember that you can eat snow for your thirst, but
not too much at once as this can lower body temperature. And, make sure it’s not
yellow!
Remember,
some prior preparation, and use of common sense may prevent a very dangerous
situation from developing!
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