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FunTripsLIVE
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Colorado Ski Country
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It's about the experience... |
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Winter Driving
Or, how to prevent getting stuck in a snow
bank, freezing to death,
or rescuing yourself before you get lost.
The leading cause of death during winter storms is transportation
accidents. Now I know that's unpleasant talk, but not near as
unpleasant than the accidents.
Preparing your vehicle for the winter season and knowing how
to react if stranded or lost on the road are the keys to safe winter
driving.
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FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) has
provided the following fact sheet to help keep you safe while
driving in the mountains.
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BEFORE YOU GO: Have a mechanic check the following items on
your car.
- Battery
- Antifreeze
- Wipers and windshield washer fluid
- Ignition system
- Thermostat
- Lights
- Flashing hazard lights
- Exhaust system
- Heater
- Brakes
- Defroster
- Oil level (if necessary, replace existing
oil with a winter grade oil or the SAE 10w/30 weight
variety)
TIRES:
Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are
usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some
jurisdictions require that to drive on their roads, vehicles
must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
TOOLS:
Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for
ice and snow removal.
Maintain at least a half tank of gas during
the winter season.
PLANNING: Plan long trips carefully.
Listen to the radio or call the state highway patrol for the
latest road conditions. Always travel during daylight and, if
possible, take at least one other person. If you must go out during a winter storm, use
public transportation.
SUPPLIES:
Dress warmly. Wear layers of loose-fitting, layered, lightweight clothing.
Carry food and water. Store a supply of high energy "munchies" and several
bottles of water.
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WINTER CAR KIT
Keep these items in your car:
- Flashlights with extra batteries
- First aid kit with pocket knife
- Necessary medications
- Several blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Extra newspapers for insulation
- Plastic bags (for sanitation)
- Matches
- Extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap
- Rain gear and extra clothes
- Small sack of sand for generating traction
under wheels
- Small shovel
- Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
- Booster cables
- Set of tire chains or traction mats
- Cards, games, and puzzles
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
- Canned fruit and nuts
- Nonelectric can opener
- Bottled water
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If you should by some chance find yourself stranded in
your car, and stuck in the cold, here a few things to keep in mind.
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Stay in the car.
Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is
visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost is
blowing and drifting snow.
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Run the heater (when the car is running) for 10 minutes at a time to
conserve gas.
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Crack the window and keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow
to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
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Leave the dome light on (at least when the
car is running) to increase your
visibility and chance of rescue.
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Display a trouble sign. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the
hood.
Move around. Clap hands and wiggle
toes and legs occasionally. Take turns sleeping if more than
one in the car and huddle together to keep warm. Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for
added insulation. Avoid overexertion.
Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed
exercise such as shoveling snow or pushing a car can bring on a
heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of
symptoms of dehydration.
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For road conditions throughout Colorado, call the
Colorado Department of Transportation Travel at 303.639.1111.
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On to
Clothes
Horsing. Because
in Colorado, it's much more than a fashion show.
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