The idea of winter might leave you frost bitten, but if you take precautions for the colder days ahead, you might beat the winter blues regardless of where you live.
Winter storms, also known as the “deceptive killers,” by the National Weather Service, said most deaths are indirectly related to storms—icy roads, hypothermia, snow drifts, etc.
On average, more than 6,000 people are killed and 480,000 are injured due to weather-related vehicle accidents, according to the Department of Transportation.
Before winter takes full force, it’s important to start the season off right, by ensuring that your vehicle is in the best condition and that you’re prepared for the freezing temperatures and the potential snow and freezing rain storms.
Doctor up your car. Visit a mechanic to make sure your car is tuned up and ready to enter not just possible snowy days and nights, but also the ice-cold weather. Not only does the ice, freezing rain and snow take a toll on your car, but also the brisk wind and the cold temperatures.
Stay nourished—and I don’t just mean your body. During the winter it’s important to think of things that you might need in case you are stranded. Snacks, who doesn’t love snacks on a road trip? These snacks might be something that could hold a long shelf life in order to help you stay nourished while you’re out in case the cold gets the best of your car.
Also, nourish your car. safercar.gov suggests to keep your gas tank close to full because you might be out longer in the cold than you anticipated if you were to get stranded. A full tank will prevent the fuel line from freezing.
Embrace the warmth. Use effective thinking and judgment, if the roads are too icy or the snow is too thick, stay inside where it is warm. Avoid driving if the road conditions are too hazardous, and wait until things clear up—it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you need to get out and the authorities have not put restrictions on travel, then make sure your car is loaded up with at least one warm blanket.
Winter got the best of you. If winter did happen to use it’s powers against you, don’t stress. If you get caught in a pile up, it’s best to stay in your car to ensure the scene is safe. Safercar.gov suggests to put your hazards on. If you happen to be stopped or stalled, put your interior dome lights on, as well as brightly colored markers on your window or antenna.
Oxygen is good, carbon monoxide is bad. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, make sure to not run your car in enclosed places for a long time. If you need to keep warm, only run your car sporadically and make sure the exhaust pipe is clear from any ice or snow.
Gabrielle Sharp
Executive Editor