Safety Tidbit 7.09 - Winter Driving Safety

 

Safety Tidbit 7.09 – Winter Driving Safety

 

Reference: Winter Driving & Travel Safety. United States Department of Agriculture Forest Service, https://www.fs.usda.gov/Internet/FSE_DOCUMENTS/stelprdb5340014.pdf.

 

This Safety Tidbit was written by my student, Mr. Michael Purazo – a senior in the Safety Sciences Program at the Indiana University of PA graduating Spring 2022.

 

We must continue safely living our lives as we enter the winter season. There are various steps an individual can take to ensure when they are on the road traveling that they are prepared and equipped to handle different situations one might encounter. Being proactive is vital to be ready for unexpected situations because, in emergencies, options become limited when someone chooses to be reactive.

           

One step a person can take to be safe during these brutal winter months is to ensure its safe to travel before leaving for a destination. The best way to mitigate a hazard is to eliminate it. Therefore, check the weather conditions, vehicle limitations, and route to determine if traveling is the right choice.

 

Personal and vehicle preparations are essential measures that should always be upheld in all months, especially winter months. Personal preparation ultimately consists of survival needs in being stranded in a blizzard or storm.  Some essential items are extra warm clothing, rain gear, winter cap and gloves, matches, fire starter, multi-tool, nylon cord, blankets, food (high energy, lightweight, and calorie-loaded), liquids, portable radio, map, compass, flashlight, etc. For vehicle preparation, make sure to conduct required maintenance, the gas tank is full, all vehicle components are functional (lights, windshield wipers, etc.), tires are correct for the season, check the car's oil, lastly, a first aid kit. In addition to the preparations mentioned above, keeping other items in your car during the winter may be necessary, depending on personal preference or situational knowledge. Some items include tire chains, tarps for covering tires, scraper brush, windshield cover, jumper cables, miscellaneous other tools, flares, and even extra motor oil in the vehicle when traveling.

 

Another action to take before hitting the road is to notify a loved one or friend before you leave. You should provide them with the planned route of travel, departure time, and the expected return time to check-in. If the person does not reach out at the check-in time, remain calm and notify law enforcement, who will begin a search and rescue mission. If the person does reach out after taking those steps, immediately advise law enforcement.

 

Don't get lost and share the road. Steps one can take to prevent getting lost are to have a map and compass (or GPS) you are familiar with, check the weather to steer clear of storms, and be sure to pull over if disoriented from a whiteout or physically exhausted. Also, be aware of other drivers and abide by the road laws to keep everyone safe and out of harm's way.

 

In conclusion, it's best to be prepared and not need, rather than be unprepared and in need. The recommendations provided in this tidbit are limited, and take other precautions as needed. I hope everyone stays safe wherever the winter wind takes them this year!

 

Hope this was helpful and thank you for reading my Safety Tidbits! Comments and questions are always welcome. ~ Bryan

 

P.S. If you have a new safety or health question, please let me know.