Stay Safe While Traveling This Holiday Season And Throughout The Winter.
In the last blog we talked about not bringing uninvited guests back from your holiday travels. (bed bugs, yuck) This time I’d like to talk about safety in the actual travel itself. While some people might be flying to their Christmas destination many of us will be driving and although the weather hasn’t been bad, that can turn on a dime. It is the mid-west after all, we have some of the worst Winter weather in the United States. AAA offers great information on Winter driving safety. I am including a few points below but you can check out the full list of tips HERE.
- Tires – Make sure that your tires are properly inflated. Never mix radial tires with other tire types.
- Gas – Always make sure that your gas tank is at least half full. This will prevent the gas line from freezing.
- Cruising – You shouldn’t use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface. Not just in snow and ice but wet or sandy conditions as well.
- Click It – Always wear your seat belt. I think that says it all.
Even after the holidays we will still have about 3 months of Winter weather to contend with. There is a very real chance that at some point we will have significant snowfall. I don’t know about you but I do not like driving in the snow. I would much rather hibernate in my warm, cozy home and look at the snow through the window. But if you don’t have the choice of staying in be careful when you’re out there.
- If bad weather is expected then make sure that others know where you’re going, the route and estimated arrival time. That way someone knows when to start worrying!
- Be sure to have your cell phone with you. FULLY CHARGED – and bring along a car charger just in case.
- Keep some blankets as well as extra gloves and hats in the vehicle.
- Bring a long some bottled water and snacks. It’s better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.
- If you do break down or become stuck in the snow, stay with your vehicle. That will make it easier to find you and will also provide you with shelter. Don’t walk in a severe storm.
- Tie something bright around your antenna or roll something up in a window. This is a signal of distress and it will make you easier to find.
- Make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked by snow, ice or mud. You don’t want carbon monoxide leaking back into the vehicle.
- If you’re stranded for a long period of time you might need more insulation around your body. In this very extreme case you can use newspaper, maps, even floor mats, to provide extra protection from the freezing cold.
Using this information you can navigate safely through the Winter weather. Before you know it we will be back to complaining about the heat and humidity!
