Brent Van Leeuwen
As much as no one wants to
hear this, Jack Frost is here. With winter comes much excitement
like Christmas, snowball fights, and the occasional snow day off of
school—but there is also the chance for blizzards, black ice, and
other hazardous road conditions which make holiday traveling very difficult
and dangerous. As many of you will be traveling to go visit family,
or have family on the way to visit you, it is important to recognize
a few key safety elements before venturing out to enjoy this holiday
season. According to the Iowa Department
of Public Safety, many of the accidents that occur during the winter
months are due to driver error. Here are a few tips to help eliminate
the chance of having an accident:
- Plan Ahead:
Check the road conditions before you embark on a trip. You can
either go online to www.iowaroadconditions.org, or you can call 511 if you are traveling
anywhere in Iowa. Also, be sure to let the people at your final destination
know when you are leaving and what route you will be taking, so they
know about when to expect you.
- Adjust your driving
habits accordingly: When roads become slippery or hard to
see, slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicles
in front of you. It may take more time, but it will save you from
an accident.
- ALWAYS wear your seat belt: Make sure that before your vehicle even leaves the
driveway, you and your passengers are wearing seat belts. It’s
not only safer, it’s the LAW.
Another key step to being safe
this holiday season is to make sure that your vehicle is in good operating
condition. Have your tires, battery, lights, windshield wipers, exhaust
system, and all vehicle fluids checked before bad weather hits.
In the event that you do get
stuck in a blizzard or stranded on the roadway, here are a few key reminders:
- Stay calm and DO
NOT go outside. It is very easy to become disoriented out in a blizzard.
- Keep fresh air circulating
by cracking a window for short periods of time. This can help
prevent carbon monoxide poisoning if your vehicle is running.
You can turn on your vehicle for short periods of time, but leaving
it running for too long can increase carbon monoxide build-up in your
vehicle.
- Keep active by moving
your arms and legs to increase blood circulation. It can also
help you stay warm and wide awake.
- Have a winter survival
kit in your vehicle. This kit should include blankets, bottled
water, non-perishable food, candles, matches, a flashlight with spare
batteries, extra warm clothing such as hats and gloves, sand or kitty
litter for traction, a red flag or Send Help sign, booster cables, and
a first-aid kit. Also, be sure someone in the vehicle has a cell
phone, so you can call for help if needed.
Even though we cannot control
Mother Nature, we can all do our part in making this season of joy and
celebration a safe one. Taking the extra time to be sure your vehicle
is ready for winter travel, as well as equipping it with a winter survival
kit, can keep you and your family safe through these next few frigid
months.