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Tuesday, February 3, 2015

Winter Driving Tips

Driving in the wintertime can be scary for some folks. Yes, in Southern Wisconsin we can take some pride in knowing how to make it to work after a night of heavy snowfall. But a refresher in safety isn’t a bad thing.

The Twitter account @CapAutoCredit offers a different #CarTip every day. Here are five tips you can do in the winter to make driving a little bit safer (most of these tips derived from the Ready Wisconsin website).

1. Slow it down!


Give yourself ample space between you and the car in front of you. In especially slippery situations, double the space you are normally used to – stopping times vary in certain conditions, so giving yourself enough time to react plus extra time to execute is key to preventing accidents.

2. Pack an emergency kit


Emergency kit / ReadyWisconsin.WI.gov
We’re all told this trick of the trade in driving school, but how many of us actually do it? Make sure you’ve packed emergency items in your car during the winter. Don’t pack them in the trunk – it can get jammed or stuck in winter weather.

A warm blanket, a crank or battery powered radio, cat litter, flashlights (with batteries), and first aid items should all be considered when making this kit, in addition to extra gloves and hats. A full list of suggested items can be found at ReadyWisconsin.WI.gov.

3. Stuck in a snowbank? Don’t run the car too much


Stuck in the snow, waiting for help? Getting fresh air is just as important as staying warm. If you have to run the car, only do it for 10 minutes at a time per hour. Snow can be blocking your exhaust pipe without you even knowing it, and other problems with your exhaust could be happening if you crashed your vehicle. Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning by running the car only occasionally, or if need be by leaving the windows open a crack.

4. Stay with your vehicle


If you find yourself in storm conditions, stay with your vehicle. Don’t get out and attempt to walk somewhere unless your destination is close by. Overexerting yourself by trekking too far is dangerous, and can result in hypothermia if you sweat too much. Stay with your reliable shelter if you can – your car.

5. Don’t panic


You don’t want to lose rational judgment when you’re in a tricky situation. Keep yourself as level-headed as you can, and devise a plan for what to do. Being prepared for worst case scenarios is your best bet. But if you find yourself in an emergency situation, stay calm and remember what to do with your preparedness!

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