Winter Driving Tips-- Prepare for the Unexpected

When preparing for holiday travel, winter driving tips may not be on driver's minds as vehicles are loaded with Christmas gifts. But these tips are important to know before pulling out of the driveway. Each year drivers hit the highways to spend the holidays with family or friends. If the road you will be traveling is in a part of the country where snow or ice can make driving treacherous, it's important to prepare for the unexpected. I'm used to driving in snow and icy conditions and know what it's like to end up in a ditch because of a minor mistake. Winter driving tips can't guarantee that holiday travel will be without incident, but it can help you be ready if the unexpected happens. Driving safety is key when you hit the road to Grandma's house for Christmas and for the entire winter season.

Winter Driving Tips: Leave Early and Stay Late

This helps avoid congested highways that can add time and headaches to any trip. Winter driving can be white knuckled driving at times and eliminating extra irritations can make holiday travel less hectic and safer. Be prepared for the unexpected snowfall or ice storm. Even the weatherman gets it wrong once in awhile.

Winter Driving Tips: Take Breaks Along the Way

Long trips can be monotonous and tiring. If snow is added into the equation, small mistakes from being tired can send you spinning into a ditch in an instant. Winter driving tips can be easily forgotten as driver and passengers begin to get antsy. If your destination is more than 2 hours away, stop every few hours and take a 15 minute break to stretch your legs. Make sure to eat well and drink plenty of liquids to stay hydrated. It's important to be prepared for the unexpected road conditions you may encounter like ice forming on bridges, black ice hidden under blowing snow or a patch of ice on an otherwise dry roadway.

Winter Driving Tips: Plan and Know Your Route

Snow or icy road conditions can make winter driving challenging at times. A heavy snowfall can close roads for a short time. When planning your holiday travel route, have an alternate route just in case. Congested roads can make an alternate route less aggravating and get you to your destination with fewer headaches, especially if you have to deal with snow or ice.

Winter Driving Tips: Include Activities for Kids

Have your kids bring games they can play in the car or a favorite toy to help them stay entertained. Record some of their favorite stories before you leave so they can listen to them in the car. Winter driving requires the driver's full attention and keeping little ones happy and occupied can make holiday travel easier for everyone.

Winter Driving Tips: Bring Extra Supplies

We forget just how cold it is outside when riding in a warm vehicle with the heater on. Even a well maintained vehicle can develop problems on trips. If you remember only one driving tip for winter travel, preparedness is the one. When you are prepared for the unexpected, waiting for help may be inconvenient, but hopefully not life threatening.

It could take time for help to arrive if your vehicle breaks down alongside the road or if you suddenly find yourself in a ditch. Make sure everyone has boots, gloves or mittens and hats as well as a winter coat. Winter driving can be dangerous and unfortunately, holiday travel is likely to be done on roads covered with snow or ice. Following winter driving tips and being prepared for the unexpected can save your life or those you love.

By having warm blankets (or sleeping bags), food (nuts, fruits or high energy bars are best) and water in your car along with appropriate winter gear, everyone has a better chance of staying warm and safe if you have vehicle trouble along the way. It's better to carry enough food and water for 2 or 3 days and not need it than to have nothing and be in an emergency situation.

Winter Driving Tips: Stock Up On Other Essentials

Essentials to put in your car before heading out include: basic toolkit, shovel, cat litter or sand to put under tires for traction, a good flashlight and extra batteries, flares or warning devices to warn other drivers, jumper cables, a sturdy tow rope, snow brush/ice scrapper, extra diapers and formula if traveling with a baby, extra prescription medication, first aid kit and a fully charged cell phone. Never assume you won't run into trouble and stay with your vehicle if you do until help arrives.

Winter Driving Tips: Prepare Your Vehicle Before Leaving

Take your car in for a checkup before leaving. Extreme weather in the summer or winter is hard on vehicles. Make sure tires are properly inflated to insure good traction. Over or under inflated tires are dangerous on snow covered roads and are less effective if not properly inflated. Check all fluids including windshield wiper fluid, radiator, oil, brake, transmission fluid and make sure they are all at the proper levels.

Winter Driving Tips: Extra Preparedness

Driving safety should be the norm all winter, not just during holiday travel. Whenever driving on snowy roads, take your time. You control the speed of your vehicle, not the person in the car behind you. Holiday travel doesn't need to be a hair pulling experience, but you do need to be prepared for the unexpected scenarios that could affect your travel. Cold temperatures are deadly. Call ahead and let someone on the other end know what time you are leaving, when to expect you and which route and alternate route you will be taking. Remember to buckle up. You have precious cargo riding with you, even if you are the only one in the car.

Winter Driving Tips, AAAExchange.com

Bob Schaller & Dennis Weaver, Safe Winter Road Trips, Road Trip America

Safe Winter Driving, syracuse.com