What to have when Driving during the Winter
Driving in winter can be a pleasant experience. However, as any experienced winter driver will tell you, good driving conditions can deteriorate very quickly. When driving on winter roads, especially during the holidays, it is always a good idea to be prepared for any situation. Here are just a few things that it would be a good idea to have when traveling in the event of an emergency.
First and probably the most important thing for you to keep on you is your wits and common sense. While, you should always be driving with both of these, it is especially true during the winter. Driving conditions during the winter months are more hazardous and require your utmost attention. If you are tired, upset or doing anything that will limit or in any way impede your ability drive and pay attention to the road then you should pull over and stay off the road way until which time as you are again able to devote your attention to your driving. Also, if you are driving and blow a tire, skid on the ice or do anything that may cause you to lose control of the car or feel like you may lose control it is very important that you keep your wits about you and remain calm. Put on your emergency lights and calmly make your way to the shoulder of the road and pull over. If there is no problem take a moment to regain your composure and continue on your journey. Remember its far better to be safe then sorry.
2). You should have a vehicle emergency kit. This kit should contain flash lights with two sets of brand new batteries, orange emergency road triangles and vests ( so other motorists can see you and your vehicle) and first aide equipment such as bandages, gauze and anything else that you would find in a standard emergency kit, jumper cables in case you need a jump and the other motorist has none. Vehicle emergency kits can be found at your local automotive stores, Wal-mart or you can make your own.
3). Cat litter and salt. Both are good for melting snow and slush from around your tires and giving you better traction. It doesn't have to be expensive cat litter or salt, the regular discount brand would be fine. Or if you chose, the Morton company makes a specific brand of salt that is for roadways and driveways and you can use any kind of cat litter that you feel comfortable with.
4). Extra blankets and warm clothing. When you get stranded its very likely that your car will either die or you will have to turn it off to conserve gas. That being the case it is important that you have at least one warm blanket per person in your vehicle and extra warm clothing to bundle up with in the event you have to walk for help ( i.e. gloves, scarfs, and coats). Not having these could lead to a problem especially if you have children as exposure to cold and harsh weather for too long can lead to serious health issues like hypothermia.
5). A thermos of water and some dry food items. A thermos, flask or any other insulated drinking vessel is preferred because if you choose to keep warm liquids with you, the thermos will keep them warm longer and it will keep any liquid from freezing ( bottles will not offer any protection against the cold). It is also a good idea to keep snack bars and any other pre-packaged dry foods along with you because it may be your only source of energy and food if you are stranded for long periods of time.
6). A cell phone and an extra charger and minutes. It is always a good idea to make sure that before you go on any trip whether it s a short one or a long one, that you cell phone is fully charged and in good working order. However, sometimes it is hard to remember so should have an extra card of minutes and an extra battery charger with you. You may also decide to purchase a cell phone charger that runs on batteries, these are available at your local Walgreens or at Wal-mart. These are a god send when your car goes dead and you have no way to charge you cell phone. They come with several cord attachments so you can be sure to have one that fits your particular cell phone. If you still have questions as to whether or not they will fit you can read the back of the package or ask a sales associate.
Finally, it is a good idea to be enrolled with some kind of tow and service company like AAA or Allstate. Companies like this are a wonderful help in times of emergency as they can assist you in getting back on the road safely. Prices range depending on the package that you have but it is well worth it the first time you break down and find yourself and your family stranded and stuck in freezing weather.
In conclusion, by having these things with you when you travel you can be better prepared for any situations that might present themselves. Even if you never have a problem have the peace of mind that comes with knowing that if you ever did you are prepared and are not helpless is completely worth it.
Good luck driving out on the roads this winter and have a safe and happy winter season!
