Tips for Safe Winter Road Trips

Winter road trips offer beautiful scenery and fun destinations for skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing and more. But driving in winter storms can be potentially dangerous. If you are planning a trip this winter, be prepared with these simple safety tips.

1. Have a basic safety inspection performed on your vehicle before you leave.
2. Pack basic safety supplies (jumper cables, flares, flashlights, etc.)
3. If possible, don’t travel alone.
4. Tell someone when you are leaving, the roads you plan to travel, and let them know an approximate time you are expected to arrive at your destination.
5. If you do get stuck, your best strategy is to stay in the car and wait for help rather than trying to walk. It is easy to become disoriented in a snowstorm.  
6. Run the engine and heater as little as possible so that your fuel lasts until help arrives.
7. Check your exhaust pipe and make sure it is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide from collecting inside the vehicle.
8. Pack nutritious snacks in the car to provide energy.
9. Be sure to have potable water in the car as well to prevent dehydration.
10. Eating snow will lower your body temperature. So if you are without water, melt the snow before trying to drink it.

Most importantly, if you have any doubt about your vehicle’s condition, have a professional auto repair shop or local mechanic inspect your car before you head out. Enjoy your cold-weather adventures and have more fun out there now that you are prepared with these winter travel safety tips.