Buckle your seat belts.
Be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening.
In fog, drive with your headlights set on dim, or use foglights.
If the fog is too dense, pull off the roadway and stop. Do not drive at 5 or 10 mph.
In rain, fog, snow, or sleet, do not overdrive your headlights. Stay within the limits of your vision.
Keep your windows clear of snow and ice. Do not start until your windshield is defrosted.
Drive slower and increase your following distance. Your speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.
Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade, or roadway surface.
Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots.
If the pavement is snow or ice covered, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.
If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction. Straighten your vehicle.
When a snow plow is coming towards you, allow plenty of room for the plow to pass.
When you approach a snow plow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead.
Do not try to pass in blowing snow; there may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow.
Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow which covers the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. A snow plow may be at work clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.
Be careful after a minor rear-end accident. If you are bumped from behind and you do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion the other driver and drive to the nearest police station, 24-hour store, service station, hospital or fire station.
Winter Survival Kit For Cars
- blankets/sleeping bags
- high-calorie, non-perishable food
- flashlight with extra batteries
- first aid kit
- knife
- extra clothing to keep dry
- large, empty can and plastic cover with tissues and paper towels for sanitary purposes
- smaller can and water-proof matches to melt snow for drinking water
- sack of sand or cat litter
- shovel
- windshield scraper and brush
- tool kit
- tow rope
- booster cables
- water container
- compass
- road maps
When Caught In A Winter Storm
Avoid overexertion, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car, or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor could cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and even hypothermia.
Outside
- Seek shelter to stay dry.
- Cover all exposed parts of the body.
- If no shelter is nearby, prepare a lean-to, wind-break, or snow cave for protection from the wind. Build a fire for heat and to attract attention.
- Do not eat snow as it will lower your body temperature. Melt it first.
In a Vehicle
- If you have a cellular phone, call for help.
- Stay in your vehicle. Disorientation occurs quickly in wind-driven snow and cold.
- Run the engine (after making sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked and opening windows a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning) about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
- Make yourself visible to rescuers. Turn on the dome light at night when running engine. Tie a colored cloth (preferably red) to your antenna or door. Raise the hood indicating trouble after snow stops falling.
- Exercise from time to time by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers, and toes to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.
At Home or in a Building
- Stay indoors. When using alternative heat from a fireplace, wood stove, space heater, etc. use safeguards and ensure proper ventilation.
- If you have no heat, close off unneeded rooms and place towels or rags under the doors. Cover windows at night.
- Eat to supply heat and drink to avoid dehydration.
- Wear layers of loose-fitting, light-weight, warm clothing. Remove layers to avoid overheating, perspiration and subsequent chill.