Winter Safety for You and Your Vehicle
Posted by
Jodi Ruch on Fri, Jan 13, 2012 @ 02:57 PM
Minnesota winters can be challenging in just about every aspect of life. Driving and safety usually come to mind at the first mention of the S-Word…Snow! We are all guilty of thinking, ‘it won’t happen to me…I won’t get into an accident or get stuck in the middle of nowhere’. You never know what and when something will happen in the good ole’ land of Minnesota!
To make sure you and/or your precious cargo arrive safely during your travels this winter season, give yourself an extra 10-15 minutes to arrive someplace. You never know when the roads will be icy, especially side roads. If you have to drive when it’s snowing & blowing, make sure you drive with the headlights on low beam at night. Keep your gas tank a minimum of a half full. Also, keep an emergency ‘snow’ kit in the vehicle. Listed below are a few items to have in your ‘snow kit’. If you do go in a ditch during a blizzard or snow storm~STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE. Every year, we hear on the news how someone left their vehicle due to going in a ditch during a storm and wind up getting lost and risk the possibilities of death. It is easy to become disorientated during a snow storm and become lost. It is best to stay put and huddle together with the people in the vehicle.
Emergency Snow Kit
- FOOD (Non-Perishable) - Stored in large a can or other sturdy metal box. You know best what you need, consider "power bars", hard candy, remember this container may get warm, chocolate is not recommended in summer months, but for winter, they are a good source of calories. You may want TUMS or ROLAIDS, & Jerky. You know what is best for what foods to pack, if you are traveling a long distance during winter months with family in the vehicle, pack enough for each person.
- WATER - plastic bottles with screw tops 4 twelve to 16 oz. bottles suggested.
- SLEEPING BAG or BLANKET - (wool is best)- Enough to distribute to everyone in the vehicle
- BOOTS - Sturdy sensible boots, an extra pair of heavy SOCKS should be stuffed in each shoe.
- MATCHES - In waterproof container.
- FLASHLIGHT - With spare batteries. (the cold will have a tendency to drain batteries faster)
- FIRST AID KIT - Purchase one at auto or drug store, or build your own with what you need.
- YOUR REQUIRED MEDICATION - if you are traveling a long distance, make sure you have it with you.
- MAP - Have a recent (last 5 years) map of local area
- NOTEBOOK - A small pocket size notebook with pen and pencil in a zip-lock bag.
- FLARES - Note- Put in large zip-lock bag.
- RED RAG/CLOTH - If you go in a ditch or break down on the side of the road, hang this on your antenna or on a wiper arm. This will make your vehicle visible and emergency personnel will know you are in there.
- TISSUES
- JUMPER CABLES - If your batteries terminals are difficult to get to, be sure you purchase proper length and type of cables. READ instructions before using.
- CAR KEYS - Extra Set OUTSIDE of the Trunk or interior.
- WIPER BLADES - Make sure you have replaced your wiper blades! I recommend a good sturdy winter blade or the Bosch Icon are a good choice. They are a little more expensive, but I have found you get what you pay for.
- AQUAPEL - This is an awesome product (like RainX on steroids), it will help greatly with keeping snow and water off your windshield and aid in a much clearer windshield. I have personally had this applied this to my vehicle and it helps immensely with keeping the windshield cleared off.
- Windshield - If your windshield is cracked or damaged, have it replaced by a reputable company. Make sure if the temperatures are 40 and below, make sure that they do the work in a heated shop. In order to follow AGSS Standards & national regulations, to have a safe install for you and your vehicle, this is a must!
Written By: Mary Lundgren