It’s time to make the trek to grandma’s house for the holidays, but are you as prepped as you should be for the winter driving conditions?

When winter hits there are lots of people who hit the roads. Whether they’re traveling south for the winter, hitting the slopes for the weekends, or heading out to family gatherings, there are a lot of people on the roads.

Whiteout conditions can hit in the blink of an eye, and while some suggest staying off the roads during winter weather, sometimes people just have places to be.

Winter Weather Travel Safety Tips

Avoiding the icy and snowy roads is the best option when possible, but if you have to get out here are ten tips to keep you safe.

Know Your Route and Let Family Know Your Travel Plans

If someone knows your travel plans it can quite literally save your life.

Letting friends and family know where you’re going when you’ll be there, and when you should be back is important especially when traveling during the winter, according to the Weather Channel. If you don’t arrive or aren’t back within the time you said, they will know that something isn’t right.

If you’re stuck somewhere without cell service this could serve as a literal lifesaver as they will be able to let first responders know your route so trained personnel can start looking for you. This could mean the difference between waiting for hours or days depending on the conditions.

Only Drive While the Sun is Out

Driving when the sun is out and shining has a couple of benefits and it isn’t quite what you’d think.

It really comes down to visibility. Not just so you can see where you’re going, but if the worst happens and you’re stuck in a ditch it will make it easier for the tow truck or first responders to find you.

Have an Emergency Travel Kit in the Vehicle

A winter travel safety kit is essential when driving in treacherous conditions.

The kit should contain the following:

• Ice scraper
• Tow rope
• Cat litter to use under the tires for traction
• Flashlights
• Candles
• Matches
• Portable radio
• Lock de-icer
• And a good book couldn’t hurt

Along with the emergency kit, take a few blankets with you just in case. This will come in handy if you’re stuck on the side of the road. We’ve got more information on that below.

Also, make sure your phone is charged and you have a portable charged battery charger with you in case it goes dead and you need extra juice.

Have Plenty of Water on Hand

You’ve likely seen it on the news – a huge snowstorm blows through and someone went off the road and weren’t found for a few days.

It happens and if you’re in that situation you’re going to need water. The human body can go for a few weeks without food, but water is a necessity. 

The longest a person can go without water is just a few days, according to Medical News Today.

Keeping five or six 16-ounce bottles in the backseat is a good idea.

There’s Nothing Wrong with Packing Snacks

Have you ever noticed you want to eat more when the weather is cold?

That’s because your body needs more nourishment when it’s cold to keep everything regulated and healthy. 

Foods like sandwiches, fruit, or even a thermos of soup are recommended compared to sugary sweets.

Take it Slow and Steady

It’s very important to drive your car for the conditions.

Reducing your speed around 50 percent in snowy conditions can make a lot of difference in how your vehicle handles in the snow and ice. This reduction in speed also gives you more time to react if you start to slide.

Don’t slow down too much though because your car needs that momentum to keep it moving through the snow.

Know Your Car and How it Handles

If this is your first winter in your car, it can be hard to know how it will handle.

Even if you’re several years into the winter season with your vehicle, it’s easy to accidentally lock up your brakes when you start to slide.

If you hit a patch of ice, it’s recommended to gently steer your vehicle in the direction you want to go and not hit your brakes.

Try to stay relaxed as you drive as that white knuckle clench on the steering wheel can cause you to lose control as you overcorrect. 

Make Sure Your Tires are in Good Shape

You’ve likely noticed when the cold weather hits that your tire pressure goes down.

It’s science.

Before hitting the road check that tire pressure to make sure it’s where it needs to be. 

It also doesn’t hurt to have snow chains ready to go in your trunk if it gets too bad.

Stop at All the Rest Stops

The stress from driving in poor conditions will put a lot of stress on your body.

Take every opportunity to swing into a rest stop so you can stretch and make sure your alertness is where it needs to be.

If You Get Stuck, Stay Put

If a snowstorm or blizzard lands you on the side of the road or worse in a ditch, stay put.

Your chances of avoiding frostbite or getting lost are better if you stay in your car. 

Make sure no matter where your car ends up that you turn on your hazard lights. If you happen to have a distress flag, hang it from your radio antenna. If you find that you’ll likely be spending the night in your car, turn on your interior lights as well to make it easier for rescuers to spot you.

If you’re stranded for a long period of time, run your vehicle’s engine for about 10 minutes every hour just to stay warm. It’s very important to keep a window slightly open and clear snow away from the exhaust to avoid carbon monoxide buildup.

Staying Safe During Holiday Travel

Before you take any trip this winter there are a few things you should check up on before hitting the road.

A few suggestions from the National Safety Council include testing the battery on your vehicle, switching to winter tires, checking your wiper blades, and keeping your gas tank at least half full.

Also, remember to keep that emergency kit mentioned above fully stocked and ready to go before every road trip.

Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!

Related Articles

4 Reasons Why Every Home Needs a Carbon Monoxide Detector

8 Things to Do After a House Fire