Winter Driving - Part 3 of 3 - Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips

Tips for Long-Distance Winter Trips - Part 3 of 3

In Part 3, we'll discuss things to consider when planning a long distance trip in the winter to keep you safe. Remember, a long distance trip could be anything over an hour away under normal driving conditions.

• Be Prepared: Have your vehicle checked by a Martinsville Pro Towing Approved Auto Repair facility before hitting the road. The small cost in getting your vehicle checked out will be worth it. Minor repairs are less expensive than Major repairs.
• Check the Weather: Check the weather  in your current location and at your destination when you’re expected to arrive. You also should check the weather conditions along your route and when possible, delay your trip if bad weather is expected. At minimum, plan along your route for places you can stop or over-night, so you’ll have peace of mind before you leave. Record the business name, address, phone numbers, etc, so you’re organized before departure.
• Stay Connected: Before hitting the road, for your safety, notify others and let them know your route, when you’re departing, destination and estimated time of arrival.
• If you get stuck in the snow:
  • Stay with your vehicle: Your vehicle is the best temporary shelter while making it easier for rescuers to find you. Never try to walk in a severe storm. Remember the Donnors? They even have a mountain pass named after their tragedy. When venturing from your vehicle, in the blowing snow, it’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle and become lost.
  • Don’t over exert yourself: When digging your vehicle out of the snow, stop when you become tired. Listen to your body. It’s knows best. Be safe and take your time. You’ll eventually dig your way out. This is where that compact shovel comes into play. Take turns if other capable people are traveling with you.
  • Be Visible: Tie a brightly colored cloth (or preferably a wide brightly colored plastic strip – snow is less likely to stick to it) to the antenna of your vehicle or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress. At night, keep the dome light on if possible. Preferably pack an LED battery-powered button light in your emergency kit. This way you won’t exhaust your battery, even though, It only uses a small amount of electricity and either option will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
  • Clear the Exhaust Pipe: I know it’s major inconvenience, but make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. (Another use for the compact shovel) A blocked exhaust pipe can bring deadly carbon monoxide gas inside your vehicle while the engine is running. While running the engine, slightly open a window farthest from direction the wind is blowing to ventilate your passenger compartment.
  • Clear a path for Oxygen: In the event you’re caught in blizzard conditions, you need to make sure your car is not completely covered. This can seal out oxygen from your car, so clear a path or tunnel, so air can reach your car windows.  Take turns sleeping
  • Stay Warm: Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps. Pre-pack blankets and heavy clothing to use in case of an emergency. Make good use of hunting or skiing clothing to stay warm.  Think in terms of layers  that do not fit tightly. We humans just need to create a micro-climate around our bodies to stay warm. This is where having enough food and water also helps to keep you warm. A little exercise helps too. Moving your body parts: arms, legs, hands to generate warmth.
    
  • Conserve Fuel: If possible, only run the engine to heat the interior long enough to remove the chill. In severe cases, run your engine for only 10 mins each hour to stay warm. This helps to conserve the fuel in your vehicle and prolong your safety window.

We hope this series on Driving Tips in the Winter has been helpful to you. Stay safe out there on the road. And in the event you find yourself needing a tow truck, give a ring. Tap our phone number and we'll hook you up.