December Wellness Spotlight
Winter Vehicle Safety
As we all know, winters in North Dakota are no joke. Winter storms and cold temperatures can be dangerous. Stay safe and healthy by planning ahead. In December’s Wellness Spotlight, we discuss winter driving, winter car care tips, what to include in a winter survival kit, and what to do if you get stranded in a blizzard.
Winter Driving & Car Care Tips
Winter weather can create hazardous driving conditions. Both the vehicle and the driver must be prepared for bad weather, road conditions and vehicle or equipment failure. Read these tips below on how to prepare both you and your car for hazardous winter conditions. If you are stranded because of winter weather, it is best to stay in your vehicle so you can be found.
- Always carry a cell phone
- Let someone know when you depart, your route, and expected arrival time
- Dress according to weather conditions. Keep dey and wear clothing in layers
- Fill up your tank before your trip
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent frozen fuel lines
- Check your tires to see if they have at least 1/8 inch of tread and to make sure they are properly inflated
- Inspect wiper blades for wear and tear
- Have your exhaust, muffler, and tailpipe inspected for cracks and visible defects
- Ensure your heater is working properly before it starts to get cold outside
- Have your battery tested to ensure it’s free of corrosion, has adequate water, and still strong enough to endure cold weather
- Flush and replace antifreeze in the radiator
Winter Survival Kit Checklist
- Jumper cables
- Small shovel and sand or cat litter for traction
- Flashlight and extra batteries
- Flares or reflective triangles, something red or orange and a whistle to signal for help
- Carpet strips – for traction under wheels
- Ice scraper and brush
- First aid kit
- Food and a blanket
If You Get Stranded
- Stay with your vehicle
- Run the engine for 15 minutes every hour and adjust if needed
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow
- If the cold is extreme, you may need to keep your engine running continuously. It may not restart if shut off
- Never go to sleep with the engine running
- Position your car so it faces into the wind
- Tie a colorful banner or piece of clothing onto your antenna
- Move all emergency supplies out of the trunk and into the interior of the car as soon as you realize you will be staying for a while
- Put on warm clothing right away, before you get cold. Loosen tight clothing so body heat can circulate
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