Cold Weather Safety Tips for Your Car
Guest post for our Northern Hemisphere readers
When a freak snowstorm hit Oklahoma in March 2009, residents were caught unawares. Oklahoma usually doesn’t get much snow during the winter—much less the spring—so people weren’t prepared for such extreme weather. State highways, interstates, and turnpikes were closed by order of the governor, and residents were urged to stay home rather than try to drive on the icy roads. Unfortunately, not everyone heeded the warning, and in addition to hundreds of car accidents, many motorists became stranded and had to be rescued from the roads.
It’s not always possible to know when a storm like that will suddenly inundate an area with snow, ice, wind, and severe temperatures. No one wants to find themselves stranded on the road in the middle of a snow storm, but it can be even worse if your car isn’t in good condition, or if you’re without necessary supplies or provisions. Here are a few cold weather safety tips for your car.
Heed Emergency Warnings
The best way to stay safe on the roads in a freak storm like the one Oklahoma suffered in 2009 is to follow the instructions given by the highway patrol and other authorities. If you’re asked to stay home and off the roads, leave the car parked, and remain indoors. This is ideal if you’re already at home, but even if you’re at work or somewhere else, it’s better to stay where you are until the roads are cleared and you can safely drive home.
Make Sure Your Car Heater Works
It may truly not be possible for you to stay off the roads when severe storm warnings are issued. You may have to pick up your children from school, or you may already be on the road, and get stuck in traffic while trying to make your way home. In case that happens, even before winter hits, you must make sure your car’s heater is in good working order. It may be the only thing that keeps you from freezing if you become stranded during a snow storm. You may also want to carry blankets in the car. If your heater does give out, blankets will be the next best way to stay warm until help arrives.
Get Regular Tune-Ups
Your heater won’t continue to work if your car stops working altogether. Follow your vehicle’s maintenance schedule to ensure it’s in good working condition. Get the oil changed regularly, check your fluid levels, especially the antifreeze and even the windshield washer fluid. Make sure your battery is in good condition to keep things running in case you have to pull off the road. Also be sure to not let your gas get below a quarter of a tank. If you need to keep the car running to have the heat on, that’s the worst time to run out of gas. Fill up frequently.
Keep a Few Staples in the Car
If you do ever become stranded in your vehicle during a storm, it could be several hours before rescue teams reach you, depending on where you are, how severe the weather is, and how many others are also in need of rescuing. You’ll need to stay in your car while you wait, so having a few food items on hand will be helpful. Carry a few bottles of water in your car, as well as a handful of meal replacement bars. They’re usually very filling, and can help curb your hunger until help arrives. Your body will also need fuel to help keep your blood circulating to keep you warm.
Keep Emergency Gear in the Car
Your vehicle probably came with a jack, but it’s a good idea to keep a few other emergency basics in the car at all times, harsh weather or not. Flares and lightsticks not only let approaching vehicles know you’re pulled over, they can also lead rescuers to your car if you’re stranded in a snow storm. Is your car white? Now imagine it covered in snow and ice, and the battery has died, so your lights are off. How will rescuers find you? Jumper cables are a must, not only if your car dies, but to allow you to help others. Also keep a first-aid kit, and remember to restock it every time you use something from it, even if it’s just a small bandage. You never know when you’ll need one.
Performing regular maintenance on your car, and keeping some essential safety and emergency items on hand will not only reduce the possibility you’ll find yourself in a difficult situation, it may just save your life.
Noble McIntyre is the senior partner and owner of McIntyre Law, a firm comprised of experienced car accident lawyers, Oklahoma personal injury specialists, and a full team of legal professionals.
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