Winter is a beautiful time of the year, especially when a fresh layer of new snow covers everything.
As a daughter of a Valders High School Driver's Education Instructor, I feel I need to mitigate a few safety tips for the upcoming season. Yesterday, there were over 200 driving mishaps in Brown County, Manitowoc county had over a dozen and 45 traffic woos in Winnebago County. Why did the accidents occar well first we had rain and then snow mix thus BLACK ICE.
Quote:
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"All off a sudden I went and I couldn't control it. I went up against the wall and bounced out. There was another guy, lucky he didn't come into my side, he spun around,"
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a Shawano man described
We need to keep in mind winter can also be a very dangerous time of the year. If you plan on traveling during the winter, it pays to be prepared for the unexpected. Getting stranded during a winter storm can be a matter of life and death.
Simply following a few simple driving habits like planning ahead, driving at a safe and legal speed, driving alert and sober and buckling up could insure that you make it to your destination safely.
BEFORE[/u]
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
* Install good winter tires. Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some areas require that to drive on their roads, vehicles must be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
*Keep a windshield scraper and small broom for ice and snow removal.
*Maintain at least a half tank of gas during the winter season.
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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.
You may want to contact your local emergency management office or American Red Cross chapter for more information on winter driving.
Winter Car KitKeep 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, soral boots and a wool cap
* Extra clothes
* Small sack of sand for generating traction under wheels
* Small shovel (in case you need to dig out)
* Small tools (pliers, wrench, screwdriver)
* Booster cables
* Set of tire chains or traction mats
* Cards, games, and puzzles (its best to keep your mind active)
* Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
* Canned fruit and nuts
* Nonelectric can opener
* Bottled water
If you must use your car during a storm:
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Plan your travel, selecting both primary and alternate routes.
*Let someone know your travel routes and itinerary so that, if you don't arrive on time, officials will know where to search for you.
*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.
*Try not to travel alone - two or three people are preferable.
*Travel in convoy (with another vehicle) if possible.
*Drive carefully and defensively. Watch for ice patches on bridges and overpasses.
*Take note of your odometer and coordinate it with exit numbers, mileposts, or crossroads so if you are in a crash or slide off the road you'll better be able to identify where you are and summon law enforcement officers, rescue workers, or tow truck operators more quickly to your location.
*If a storm begins to be too much for you to handle, seek refuge immediately.
*If your car should become disabled, stay with the vehicle, running your engine and heater for short intervals. Be sure to "crack" a window in the vehicle to avoid carbon monoxide build-up.
Be courteous to those awaiting your arrival:
*Call ahead to your destination just as you are leaving.
Let someone at your destination know the license number of your vehicle, what route you'll be traveling, and give a realistic estimate of your travel time.
*If you have a cell phone, give that number to the party at your destination.
*If you have friends or family at your place of origin, you should call when you arrive to let them know you have arrived safely.
*If road conditions, tiredness, etc. delay or postpone a trip, make a phone call. Let people on both ends know of the delay.
Remember its better to be safe than sorry!
