The season for snow and ice, slipping and sliding, and traffic accidents is here. But you don’t have to be a victim of the leading cause of death during winter storms. You can reduce your risk of an accident by preparing your vehicle for the winter season, learning how to react if you are driving in slippery conditions, and knowing what to do if you are stranded or lost on the road. Here are some tips that can help.
Have a mechanic check the following items in your car:
Make sure the tires have adequate tread. All-weather radials are usually adequate for most winter conditions. However, some areas require that vehicles be equipped with chains or snow tires with studs.
Must-haves
Other Useful Items
Heavy snow, hail, and rain reduce visibility. Slow down and use your headlights. When roads are icy or slushy, allow plenty of room to slow down and stop—at least three times the normal distance to reach a full stop and avoid skidding. In icy conditions, it can take ten times longer to stop than on a dry road. Avoid harsh braking and acceleration. To brake on ice or snow without locking your wheels, switch into low gear early and allow your vehicle to slow down before gently braking. If your vehicle starts to skid, ease off the accelerator, but don’t brake suddenly.
Fog drifts rapidly and is often patchy. Drive slowly and use your low beams. If visibility is really poor, use fog lights. You may have better visibility following the taillights of a vehicle in front of you, but don’t drive too close. Also, avoid accelerating too quickly when you reach a clearing. Fog tends to be patchy, causing you to quickly lose visibility.
If you find yourself stuck in snow or ice, do not continue to spin your wheels. Instead, pour sand, salt, or gravel around the drive wheels. Also, shovel snow away from the wheels and out from under the car to clear a pathway.
Do not leave the car to search for assistance unless help is visible within 100 yards. You may become disoriented and lost in blowing and drifting snow.
Pull off the highway and turn on hazard lights. Hang a brightly colored cloth on the radio antenna and raise the hood.
Turn on the car's engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Run the heater when the car is running. Also, turn on the car's dome light when the car is running. Beware of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow, and open a downwind window slightly for ventilation.
Do minor exercises to keep up circulation. Clap hands and move arms and legs occasionally. Try not to stay in one position for too long. If more than one person is in the car, take turns sleeping.
For warmth, huddle together. Use newspapers, maps, and even the removable car mats for added insulation.
Cold weather puts an added strain on the heart. Unaccustomed exercise, such as shoveling snow or pushing a car, can bring on a heart attack or make other medical conditions worse. Be aware of symptoms of dehydration.
RESOURCES:
Canada Safety Council
http://www.safety-council.org
Federal Emergency Management Agency
http://www.fema.gov
References:
Fact sheet: winter storms. Federal Emergency Management Agency website. Available at: http://www.fema.gov. Accessed May 28, 2009.
Oklahoma State University website. Available at: http://www.okstate.edu/ .
University of Maine Cooperative Extension website. Available at: http://www.umext.maine.edu/ .
Last reviewed May 2009 by Janet H. Greenhut, MD, MPH
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © 2007 EBSCO Publishing All rights reserved.