Winter Travel
Traveling during the winter months can prove to be not only inconvenient, but downright deadly for the ill-prepared motorist. There are certain precautions that should be taken when setting out on a winter journey. These precautions, coupled with sound decision making may actually save your life. The key to surviving the journey is being accountable along the way.
1. Be aware of impending changes in the weather forecast. If you are setting out on a long journey, create a weather map pinpointing the anticipated forecast at intervals along the way. If inclement weather is moving in your direction you may wish to reconsider or reschedule your trip.
2. Make your plans known to others. This includes not only your departure time but also the route you plan on taking. As with the weather forecast, you will want to research your route to be sure that there are no detours which will inadvertantly alter your plans. If your vechicle is equipped with a GPS device such as Onstar, you may wish to activate it for your trip. However, don't rely strictly on these locator devices. You want to be prepared to sustain yourself and your family/friends for several days in the event you become stranded.
3. Make sure your vehicle is up to the trip, mechanically speaking. Do not make the mistake of setting off on a possibly treacherous journey with less-than adequate tires. Make sure they are rated according to the climate and conditions in which you will be traveling and take along a set of tire chains. If you get into blizzard conditions the best set of snow tires may still leave you stranded. You will also want to make sure your vehicle's engine and heating/defrosting systems are functioning properly.
4. Outfit your vehicle for survival. In the event you are stranded your vehicle will quickly transform from a mode of transportation to a mode of shelter. The first element that humans, or any animal for that matter, looks for is shelter. You must prepare yourself to spend several hours, if not days, in your vehicle. In addition to the typical items such as jumper cables and road flares, winter motorists should pack a wool blanket or two, a couple jugs of water, some food rations- protein bars, nuts, chocolate bars, etc. are easy to store and will provide adequate nourishment for several days. In addition to bottled water, pack something to purify water in the event you are stranded for several days. This can be as simple as a few water purifying tablets that when added to a gallon of untreated water will remove any contamenents. These tablets as well as other water purifying devices are available at your local sporting goods store.
5. Staying warm is crucial to survival. The onset of hypothermia will cause the body temperature to drop quickly sending it into a coma that will ultimately lead to death. In addition to shelter, you must be prepared to make a fire if need be. Pack waterproof matches and fire starters. Fire starters come in a wide array of materials. Again, your local sporting goods store will be able to outfit you with something to suit your needs. I prefer to use little blocks of wax that have candle wicks inside them. This is something I use when camping and they actually take up very little space. In addition to fire starters, a box of chemical hand warmers could prove very beneficial. These little pouches, once activated, provide heat for up to ten hours.
6. Signaling devices. You need to be visible in order to be rescued. In addition to road flares, you may wish to pack a signal flare (flare gun) as well as some highly visible spray paint. Neon orange tends to work the best. Also, you want to be heard. Pack a couple of whistles and a signal horn (fog horn in a can). These items are relatively inexpensive and take up little space in your vehicle.
7. Use common sense. Your mind will be your salvation or your death sentence. Do not try to play the hero by setting off on your own. You must stay calm and think through your situation rationally. Make decisions which are clear and concise and as absent as possible from emotion. By thinking things through you will be surprised what you can do when put in a situation that calls for survival. Rely on your inherent instincts and do not trust your emotions.
Surviving winter travel starts with a plan and a well thought out course of action. Treading out into inclement weather should always be considered with great caution and weighed against the possible consequences.
