The cold weather seems, overall, here to stay, and this usually means frigid temperatures and slick roads. It’s safe to say that most of us have seen or experienced a vehicle sliding off an icy road, and while it’s not always preventable, you can take certain measures to protect yourself. Here’s a list of ideas you can employ (or insist your loved ones do) to make this a safer winter.
Salt Your Driveway and Sidewalks
There are definitely worse places to slide off the road, but if you know there’s going to be snow/ice then you might as well take this preemptive measure. A nice bit of salt will go a long way to preventing ice from forming in your driveway.
Stock up on Non-Perishables
If you are not able to leave the house, then you’ll need a plan for food. Stock up on non-perishable items as a backup plan for weather that prevents you from accessing food. Freeze some bread, grab some peanut butter, gather some nuts… you know your family best so pick out some items to keep them fed if times get desperate.
Keep your gas tank filled
The last thing you want is for your car to run out of gas when the temperature falls below freezing. While letting your car run on fumes is something that many of us do (definitely guilty), imagine your car running out of gas on some backroad where there’s no cell reception? Not ideal. So, keep an eye on your tank and make sure it doesn’t fall too far towards the E this winter.
Start Your Car Earlier
Another reason to keep your gas tank filled is so you can start your car earlier. Not just so it’s warm and toasty when you get in, but to defrost your windows and windshield before you hop on the road. I’m certainly guilty of driving with only a small cleared circle on an icy windshield, and I 10/10 do not recommend it. Don’t be like me and start your car earlier, or find a garage to park in. *Friendly reminder to NOT start your car early if you are parked in a garage, or at least please remember to open the garage door first*
Leave Earlier
You’ve heard this one before, but it’s worth repeating: if you have somewhere to be at a specific time, then leave at least 20 mins earlier than you normally would if the roads are questionable. Nothing is worth risking your life, but most of us can’t risk losing our jobs either. So, take care of yourself and give yourself plenty of time to drive slowly.
Drive Slow
There are always going to be those people who think they need to tailgate you and pressure you to go faster on an icy road. Ignore them and do you. If they’re in a hurry, then maybe they should have left earlier. If they are really determined to pass you, then they can find a way around. Do not compromise your safety and comfort by speeding up on an icy road.
Pack an Emergency Bag
Even when you’re doing everything right—things happen. The best way to deal with it, is to be always be prepared for something to go wrong. Keep an emergency bag accessible in your car to keep you and your family safe. Here’s a few things to consider including in an emergency bag: portable car jump starter (some of these can also double to charge your phone), thick gloves, heavy coat, warm hat, emergency blanket (or regular blanket), non-perishable food (peanut butter, tuna, granola bars, etc.), spare set of dry clothes (don’t forget socks), snow boots, hand warmers, feet warmers, and coveralls.
