10 Safety Tips for Winter Driving

Winter driving can be a precarious endeavor to those who live in parts of the country that sees snow every year, but it can be especially hazardous to those from warmer climes. Inexperience and not knowing what to expect can cause delays, accidents, and death. Winter driving safety is essential to ensure your road trips are happy and safe.

The recent and highly publicized death of James Kim, who set out on foot from his stranded vehicle in Oregon to find help for his family serve as reminders that holiday trips can turn to tragedy in the blink of an eye.

Make your winter driving as safe as possible with these winter safety driving tips. Here's how:

1) Make sure your tires are in good condition before snows blanket roads and highways. Make sure your tire tread is not worn. If possible, replace summer tires for winter or all-terrain tires. A bag of kitty litter stored in your trunk helps get your vehicle out of parking spaces or your driveway if it's icy. Just sprinkle in front of your tires and accelerate slowly.

2) Before setting out on road trips, short or long, make sure your vehicle is in good working condition. Keep your gas tank full, as it will add extra weight and traction for your vehicle in case you hit snow. Keep your windshield wiper reservoir full as well. In cold climates this fluid often freezes, so make sure you have a hand-held ice scraper in your car.

3) When traveling in the winter, keep a 'winter kit' in your vehicle. This kit should include water, extra clothes, snow gear, if possible, and a blanket or two to prevent hypothermia in case you get stranded. Dry goods such as crackers or high-protein foods such as peanut butter, or canned goods (don't forget to stow a can opener) can help stave off hunger just in case you're delayed by storm or car trouble.

4) If you're not used to driving in snowy or icy conditions, be aware that driving at regular speed may not be advisable, but at the same time, driving too slowly can be just as hazardous. Keep a reasonable distance between you and the car ahead of you. If you're driving a manual transmission, take the vehicle out of gear as you slow or come to a stop. Pump the brakes gently a few times to make sure they don't lock up on you.

5) If you get caught in heavy snow and are nervous or uncertain about continuing, try to turn off the highway in a safe, populated area. If you're out in the middle of nowhere, you might have to pull off the side of the road, but that's not the best option. Most interstate highways don't allow vehicles to pull off the side of the road during snow or dust storms, so be aware of your destination and watch for winter advisories before you set out.

6) If you do have to pull off the highway, keep your headlights on, and turn on your hazard lights as well, so that both oncoming and following traffic can see you.

7) If you're not familiar with the area, don't take shortcuts. Stay on major highways. Roads that show up on maps are often closed or impassible in the wintertime.

8) If you find yourself stranded, stay put. Do not try to walk yourself to safety if it's still snowing or if you are unfamiliar with the area. If you MUST leave your vehicle, stick to the road! Conserve your fuel, but run your engine every once in a while to keep warm.

9) If you find your rear end weaving, don't overcorrect. Slow down and gently turn your wheel in the direction you're swinging. NEVER slam on your brakes! You'll not only slide, you'll probably find yourself in an all-out spin that might be impossible to correct.

10) If you need to drive into snowy territory, take some essential items along, just to be on the safe side. In addition to the extra clothing and food, you should have:

a) Map(s) of the area you're driving through.

b) Flashlight with extra batteries/bulb.

c) First aid kit.

d) Pocket knife

e) Waterproof matches and a fire starter.

f) A warm hat! (Heat is lost through the skull. Everyone in your vehicle should have a head covering.)

g) Sunglasses and sunscreen. (Yes, watch out for snow-burn and snow-blindness.)

Make sure to consult weather and driving conditions before you set out. Be advised that you might need chains at higher elevations. Taking an extra hour to gather and secure these items in your car will ensure that you will be better prepared in case of an emergency or unforeseeable delays. As always, better safe than sorry.