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Winter can be a very dangerous
time of the year. If you plan on traveling during the winter, be
prepared for the unexpected. Getting stranded during a winter storm
can be a matter of life and death.
Following a few simple winter 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.
If are going to drive during a winter snow storm:
- Plan your travel routes and also select an alternate route.
- 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.
- Check latest weather information on your radio.
- Try not to travel alone – two or three people are preferable.
- 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.
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