Cooperative Living January 2016 - 28

SafetySense
What's in Your Winter
Driving Survival Kit?
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AGRIGORJEVA/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
TRENDOBJECTS/ISTOCK/THINKSTOCK
MARIJUS AURUSKEVICIUS/ISTOCK/
THINKSTOCK
D
uring mild weather, being stranded
on the side of the road is an
inconvenience. But during the
cold, dark days of winter, having your car
break down in a remote area can be
dangerous, or even life threatening.
Before you head out in your vehicle,
especially when winter weather threatens,
make sure it's in good operating order.
Check your tires, brakes, windshield
wipers, headlights and tail lights, battery
and fluid levels throughout the season, or
have a mechanic do this for you. And
before you leave on a longer trip, tell a
family member or friend where you're
going and when you plan to get there, then
call them when you reach your destination
to confirm that you've arrived.
Should you find yourself driving in
snowy or icy conditions, slow down to at
least half your normal speed and use a
lower gear. But don't risk stopping as you
head up a hill. Build up some momentum
before your vehicle starts climbing. Be
mindful of road crews working to clear
roads and avoid any abrupt steering
maneuvers.
26 | Cooperative Living | January 2016
If at any point you feel the conditions
are too bad to continue driving, find a safe
place to pull over and simply stay put.
Should your vehicle break down or you
decide to pull off the road due to adverse
conditions, having a well-equipped winter
emergency survival kit will make all the
difference.
Here are some recommended items:
* Ice scraper, snow brush, rags and
paper towels
* Blankets and extra clothing,
including waterproof boots and
gloves
* Non-perishable, high-calorie food
and bottled water
* Flashlight with extra batteries and
flares or roadway reflectors
* A basic first-aid kit
* Mobile phone with a backup
power source
* Jumper cables and no-freeze
windshield-washer fluid
* Bag of sand, gravel or cat litter for
extra traction
If you're stranded in a sparsely
populated area, stay in your vehicle until
conditions improve or until help arrives.
Run the engine and heater about 10
minutes each hour to keep warm while
conserving your battery and gasoline.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is free of
snow or other obstructions and crack one
of the car windows slightly to prevent
carbon monoxide poisoning. If needed,
move around and exercise to help
maintain body heat, but avoid
overexertion. To make your vehicle more
noticeable, turn on the dome light and/or
flashers or attach a bright cloth outside
your car. Finally, resist the temptation to
accept a ride from a stranger. Instead, ask
them to notify local police if you don't
have a mobile phone or are stranded in
an area with no signal.
Having a well-equipped winter
driving survival kit and following these
recommendations will help ensure
you eventually make it home safe and
sound! 
Sources: www.ready.gov, www.aaa.com
www.co-opliving.com
http://www.ready.gov http://www.aaa.com http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living January 2016

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