Emergency trunk essentials for cold weather driving
People who live in harsh climates know the importance of a well-stocked emergency kit–a bit of pertinent advice for all drivers planning excursions during winter months.
“Vehicles have more advanced safety features than ever before, but that doesn’t mean winter driving is any less dangerous,” said Tim DeSpain, a public information officer for Alaska’s Department of Public Safety. “Vehicles have anti-lock brakes, airbags throughout, navigation systems and traction control, but all that doesn’t matter if you’re stranded in the cold.”
Winter driving hazards occur every year no matter where you drive in the US and Canada. More than 100 motorists were stranded overnight on Interstate 90 when a blizzard dumped more than 5 feet of snow on Buffalo, New York in mid-November. Motorists spent 36 hours in vehicles before being rescued by state troopers.
Though snow rarely falls in the Gulf region, winter storms and high winds pound the southern United States – scattering debris and causing road closures.
Such events should be reminders for drivers to stay vigilant during the winter and make sure their vehicle is ready for a storm, DeSpain said. One simple rule: keep your gas tank as full as possible during the winter.
“If you need to leave because of an emergency you’ll be able to, and if you’re stranded somewhere you will be able to run the heater occasionally to keep yourself warm,” he said.
No matter how well-stocked your vehicle is, there are times when it’s simply not worth it to leave the house, DeSpain said.
“If it’s a white-out or the roads are too slick, it’s better to not drive,” he said.
DeSpain suggested motorists create an emergency kit for their car. Here’s his Baker’s Dozen of items for your emergency kit:
- First-aid kit
- Warm clothes (boots, gloves, socks and jacket)
- Sand or kitty litter (for traction)
- LED flashlight
- Extra batteries
- Snacks (energy bars, granola)
- Jumper cables
- Flares
- Reflective vest
- Tools such as shovel, ice-scraper and brush
- Tire chains
- Tow rope
- Cell phone charger