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This year, the Farmer’s Almanac has predicted that winter 2022-2023 will feature lots of snow, cold weather, and blustery wind. These predictions are especially critical in North Carolina, as many will not be prepared for them. people will not experience many with preparing for freezing temperatures, slush, snow, and blizzard conditions. In this blog, we will discuss what you should carry inside your car if you plan to go out on the roads this winter. Preparation prevents poor performance, and preparing for the unexpected, such as a breakdown due to the winter weather, can help save your life in an emergency.
Staying Warm
The cold is one of the most dangerous aspects of breaking down or crashing out on the roads during the winter. Hypothermia can set in fast if you don’t prepare, and even a mild case can slow brain function and prevent you from thinking clearly, impacting your ability to drive or make safe decisions. The Mayo Clinic has suggestions for what to do if you become stranded.
- Huddle together inside the car
- Make sure everything you need is inside the car with you
- Run the engine for ten minutes every hour to reserve fuel and warm up the vehicle
- Keep a window slightly open
- Check to make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t covered by snow
As well, make sure that your vehicle has emergency cold-weather supplies in the event of a breakdown. These should include, but shouldn’t be limited to,
- Several blankets, both traditional wool variety and thermally insulated blankets
- Matches and candles
- A clean can to melt snow inside of
- Cold weather clothing in the event that your clothes are wet from weather conditions
Beating the Snow
One of the main obstacles to driving in the winter during adverse weather is the snow and ice. Snow and ice on the road can remove your car’s ability to properly grip the road, making your car more likely to spin out of control while driving. If you are concerned about adverse winter weather conditions, consider either snow chains for your car tires or changing out your all-season tires for specific winter tires. Both of these options give you better control during snowy and icy conditions as they allow tires that would otherwise struggle to maintain a grip on the road to grab the surface with greater strength, keeping your car from skidding out. Also, keeping a kit inside your car for snow and ice can help you prevent an accident. This kit should include the following:
- A snow shovel
- Window ice scraper
- Sand or kitty litter to spread on the ground to gain traction
- Road flares
- Flashlight
- Reflective cones or triangles
Know Before you Go
Before heading out on the roads this winter, ensure you are prepared for the roads and their conditions. Always check the weather before heading out, as changes in weather conditions can cause serious road effects, such as snow reducing visibility and removing the ability for cars to grip the roadway. Ensure that your tires have the proper air pressure and that the tread on them is not worn away. Before leaving, try to charge your phone as much as possible, and leave a charged battery bank and a charging cable inside your car. You can call emergency services such as the police or a towing company without concerns about battery usage.
Have You Been In a Winter Crash?
The skilled personal injury attorneys at Shane Smith Law can help if you've been in an accident during the winter. Contact us at (980) 246-2656 or through our website for a free consultation. Our team has over 50 years of experience and can help you understand your options.