PrepYourHealth to Drive During Winter

 

Winter is coming, and it’s not alone. Travel can become dangerous in bad weather. Driving in winter conditions such as snow, freezing rain and ice increases the risk of a driver being involved in a car accident. (1)

Of the more than 5,891,000 car crashes each year, about 21%, or 1,235,000, are weather-related. Most weather-related accidents occur on wet roads (70%) and during periods of rain (46%). Fewer but no less significant accidents occurred during periods of snow or sleet (18%), icy roads (13%), and snow or muddy roads (16%). (2)

More than 70 percent of the nation’s roads are in areas that receive an average of more than 5 inches of snow a year. Nearly 70 percent of the U.S. population lives in these areas. (3)

If, like most Americans, you live in a place that experiences winter weather, be prepared to drive (or not drive) in it.

Driving in the snow

Driving in winter has its challenges. Snow, freezing rain, icing and sub-freezing temperatures can all affect driving conditions. Here are some things to consider before and remember after driving.

Check it out before you go. Call 511 or check your state’s Department of transportation webpage for road conditions. The best way to stay safe while driving in the snow is not to do it. Go outside in winter only if necessary. Avoid unnecessary travel when the National Weather Service issues a warning.

Clean your car before driving. Flying snow on your car can limit visibility for you and other drivers. Limited visibility can lead to accidents.

Obey the daily traffic rules. No texting or distracted driving; Observe posted speed limits; Fasten your seat belt; And drive sober at all times.

Slow down when driving on snow or ice to improve traction. Remember “ice and snow, take it slow”. Avoid driving on icy roads, overpasses, and Bridges if possible.

Leave extra space between you and other drivers. Increase the following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds. It takes longer to slow down and stop on icy roads.

Snowplows are a common sight on roads and highways during and after winter storms. They drive slowly, make large turns, stop frequently, overlap lanes and drive frequently off the road. If you find yourself driving behind a plow, keep your distance. Don’t crowd the plow.

Roadside emergency kit

Prepare as if a roadside emergency were going to happen to you. Prepare a roadside emergency kit that includes the items needed to deal with travel delays such as flat tires and more serious roadside emergencies. The kit should include:

Food and water

Emergency lighting (e.g. flashlight or headlamp) and batteries

Mobile phone car charger and portable charger

First aid supplies

Warm clothes, blankets and sleeping bags

Spare tire, jack and lug wrench

Jumper cables and safety glasses

Emergency hammer and seat belt cutter

Road flares

Skate scraper, folding shovel and brush

In addition to the basics, you can add the following items to your roadside emergency kit:

Portable carbon monoxide (CO) detector

Road map or atlas

A whistle to signal for help

Hygiene and personal hygiene products

Multi-purpose tool

Add additional supplies according to your individual needs.

What should you do if you are trapped

Winter storms can leave you stranded. Last year, a snowstorm stranded motorists on Interstate 95 for more than a day. (4) If you are stuck or stranded due to winter weather, pay attention to yourself and your passengers, your car and the surrounding environment.

Stay in your vehicle.

Let rescuers see you:

Turn on the overhead light when running the engine at night.

Tie a brightly colored cloth (preferably red) to the antenna or door.

If it is not snowing, open the hood of the car.

Wrap multiple layers of clothing, blankets, and sleeping bags around your entire body, including your head (do not interfere with breathing) to prevent hypothermia. Hypothermia (abnormally low body temperature) is a dangerous condition that can occur when a person is exposed to extremely cold temperatures.

Run the engine for about 10 minutes every hour to run the heater and charge the phone. Open the window slightly to let in fresh air and avoid carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Keep the exhaust pipe free of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.