Winter Survival on the Road
 No one drives during bad winter weather unless they must. However, business
or holiday plans often make winter traveling necessary. The following tips on
traveling in winter weather will make your trip safer.
1. Plan your trip carefully by listening to weather reports and travelers'
advisories and keeping an alternate route in mind. Let someone know where you
are going and what time you plan to arrive. Travel by daylight and use major
highways if possible. Try not to travel alone.
2. Keep your gas tank as full as possible, especially if you are unfamiliar
with the route you are traveling or are entering open country and also to help
prevent gas line freeze-up.
3. Don't overdress when driving. Even on short trips, your clothing should be
loose fitting and comfortable. Heavy clothing should be removed after the car
has warmed up. Pull over to the side of the road instead of struggling out of
heavy clothing while driving.
4. If you should get stranded on the road during a winter storm, keep calm.
Give some indication you are in trouble -turn on your 4 way flashing lights,
raise the hood, or tie a cloth on an antenna or door handle. Do not stop
under an overpass.
- Stay in the car. Do not try to walk from the car unless you can see a
shelter within a reasonable distance; disorientation comes quickly during a
blowing snowstorm.
- For heat, turn on the car engine for brief periods. To avoid deadly carbon
monoxide poisoning, always leave a downwind window open slightly. Also, make
sure the exhaust pipe is clear of snow when the engine is running.
- Exercise from time to time by clapping your hand and moving your arms and
legs. Do not stay in one position too long, but do not overexert yourself by
shoveling or trying to push the car.
- Leave the dome light on at night as a signal to rescuers. If more than one
person is in the car, sleep in shifts.
5. Other tips to keep in mind:
- Don't drive while tired.
- Always use your seatbelt and make sure everyone else does.
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area.
- All vehicle windows and mirrors should be clear before attempting to
drive.
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