Caledonia Argus

Arrive safeñ helpful tips for winter driving

Posted: 12/17/02

by Andrew Miller
Argus News Reporter

Nothing will put a damper on holiday cheer like an auto accident. Local State Trooper Kelly McGraw has provided area residents with a few helpful tips for staying safe on the road this winter.

The most important thing a driver needs for winter driving, McGraw said, is common sense. Drive at a safe and legal speed, drive sober, and buckle upñ these are a driverís essentials in helping to prevent accidents. Carelessness endangers lives, and if road conditions are such that itís unsafe to drive at the posted speed limit, it behooves drivers to lay off the gas.

Reduced visibility is a factor in many winter accidents. Though you canít control the visibility outside your vehicle, you can control the visibility out your windows.

ìEvery year I encounter 2-3 crashes related to not having cleaned the windshield,î McGraw said. ìScrape the windows before you drive; it only takes a couple minutes, and it can prevent a crash.î

Maintaining your vehicle is also necessary. Anti-freeze is of utmost importance, McGraw said, and gas tanks should be kept at least a quarter full in order to prevent water build-up. Parts like faulty spark plugs, hoses, water pumps, and belts can leave you stranded. Make sure the tires are properly inflated and suited for winter conditions, and that your windshield wipers are functioning properly. It is relatively cheap and easy to get a safety check performed on your vehicle, and several area service stations have earned reputations for doing thorough jobs.

ìThe service stations in Caledonia do a full safety check, and they can do it when you go to get an oil changeî McGraw noted. ìI canít compliment those guys enough; they do a great job of informing the driver if somethingís wrong.î

If for some reason you get stranded on the road, itís a good idea to have a few items in the vehicle that facilitate survival. McGraw recommends keeping warm clothes on hand, as well as snacks, jumper cables, and a tow chain. Other things you might want to consider are road flares, matches, spare change, heavy boots, a cell phone, and a flashlight.

If you do get stranded in your vehicle, the Minnesota Department of Public Safety suggests you take the following measures:

-Stay in your vehicle. Your vehicle serves as a good shelter, and walking in winter conditions can be dangerous.

-Avoid overexertion. Trying to push your car or shovel snow consumes a lot of energy, and you risk heart attack or other injury.

-Keep cool. Donít panic; if youíre trapped in a storm, it will end. If youíre stranded, youíll be found.

-Keep fresh air in your vehicle. Itís better to be a little chilly and awake than to be comfortably warm and slip into unconsciousness. Snow can plug the exhaust system and cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to enter the vehicle. Donít run the engine unless youíre certain the exhaust pipe is free of snow or other objects.

-Keep warm without fuel. Keep your blood circulating by loosening tight clothing and moving your arms and legs. Rub your hands together, remove your shoes and rub your feet.

-Donít expect to be comfortable. The challenge is to survive until youíre found.

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