Essential Travel Tips to Ensure Safe Winter Travel

Traveling in winter requires careful planning, awareness of potential dangers and a well-equipped vehicle. Winter conditions, including snow, ice and freezing rain, can create harsh and dangerous conditions on roads and highways. This article provides essential tips for preparing for winter travel, keeping vehicles safe, and handling emergencies effectively.

Preparing for winter travel
Before traveling during the winter months, it is essential to check the weather forecast and road conditions. Reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service and national transportation websites, provide up-to-date information. Many states also have hotlines dedicated to winter road conditions.

Travelers should plan itineraries with alternative options in the event of closures or adverse conditions. Apps like Waze And Google Maps offers real-time traffic updates and can help navigate around obstacles. Another useful website when traveling to Missouri is MoDOT Traveler Information Cardwhich provides updates on road conditions as well as road closures and construction. It is advisable to inform someone of your travel plans and your estimated time of arrival.

During winter travel, it's essential to prepare for emergencies by keeping a well-stocked kit in your car. These items can help you deal with unexpected situations and stay safe until help arrives:

• Snow shovel, broom and ice scraper to clear snow and ice.
• Abrasive material like sand or cat litter for traction.
• Jumper cables to restart your car.
• Blankets and warm clothing to protect themselves from the cold.
• Non-perishable food and bottled water for subsistence.
• Flashlight with extra batteries for visibility.
• First aid kit to treat minor injuries.
• Warning devices such as flares or reflective markers for signage.
• Mobile phone charger to maintain communication.
• Essential medicines for health needs.

Vehicle equipment safety

Ensuring your vehicle is ready for winter is essential to safe travel. Routine maintenance, including checking the battery, brakes and tire tread, can prevent breakdowns. Winter tires or all-season tires with sufficient tread depth are recommended for better traction on icy roads.

Other essential checks include topping up the windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution, ensuring antifreeze levels are adequate, and replacing wiper blades if necessary. Having a full gas tank reduces the risk of frozen fuel lines and provides additional weight for better stability.

The basics

To slow down. It is more difficult to control or stop your vehicle on a slippery or snowy surface. In 2022, police reported approximately 153,620 traffic accidents that occurred in snowy or sleet conditions. Increase the distance behind you to allow enough time to stop for vehicles in front of you.

Avoid cluttering snow plows. Snow plows move slowly, make wide turns, stop often and overlap lanes. Stay far enough behind them and be careful when passing them.

What to do in an emergency

If you are stopped or stranded in winter weather, focus on your safety and that of your passengers:

• Stay with your car and avoid overexertion.
• Make your car visible with light markers and keep the interior dome light on.
• Clear the exhaust pipe to prevent carbon monoxide buildup and run the car intermittently to stay warm.

Tires
As the outside temperature drops, tire inflation pressure also drops. Make sure each tire is filled to the pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer, listed in the owner's manual or on the driver's side door frame.

Inspect tires monthly and before long trips for damage, tread wear (at least 2/32 of an inch), and proper pressure. Consider replacing tires every six years, regardless of use. Snow tires can provide additional traction in snowy conditions.

Car seats
Dress children in thin, warm layers so the car seat harness fits properly. Place blankets over children after securing the harness. Check that car seats and booster seats are installed correctly for the child's age and size.

Batteries
Cold weather reduces battery power, especially for electric and hybrid vehicles. Have a mechanic check the battery and charging system. Keep electric vehicles plugged in during freezing temperatures to maintain battery performance.

Security technologies
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle's safety features, including anti-lock brakes. Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal if the vehicle is equipped with anti-lock brakes. Without anti-lock brakes, pump the brakes if the wheels lock.

Floor mat
Use properly sized and secure floor mats to avoid interference with the pedals. Install mats correctly and use retention clips.

Lights
Check the operation of the headlights, brake lights, turn signals, hazard lights and trailer lights. Replace bulbs if necessary.

Windshield wipers
Make sure your windshield wiper fluid is winter grade and keep the reservoir full. Replace worn wiper blades and consider installing heavy-duty wipers for snowy areas.

Cooling circuit
Maintain adequate coolant levels and inspect the system for leaks or worn parts. Check the vehicle owner's manual for specifications.

Make sure to keep your gas tank almost full. For electric vehicles, charge the battery and minimize battery drain by parking in warmer locations.

P.lan Your itinerary
Check weather and traffic reports. Delay non-essential travel during bad weather. Plan breaks during long journeys and communicate your route and estimated time of arrival.

Allow extra time for winter travel. Drive during the day and stay on main roads. Reduce the speed and increase the next distance. Avoid sudden stops and quick turns to maintain control. If you stall, stay with your car, conserve fuel, and watch for carbon monoxide hazards.

With proper preparation, winter travel can be safe and manageable.

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