Travel Safely This Winter

Safe winter driving takes more than clearing the ice and snow off your vehicle and slowing down. “Every driver should move about cautiously, watch for black ice and be prepared for the unexpected,” says emergency medicine physician Nicole Elliot, DO, with Lehigh Valley Health Network.

At a bare minimum, keep a basic emergency kit in your car. Its contents can help you if you get stuck or need to wait for assistance. This includes:

• Kitty litter, sand or other material that provides traction
• Windshield ice scraper
• Flares or reflective emergency markers
• Jumper cables
• Blankets or sleeping bags
• Bottles or jugs of drinking water
• Nonperishable foods, such as protein bars and granola
• First-aid kit with items like aspirin and adhesive bandages
• Moist handwipes and plastic bags for sanitary purposes
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Paper map

Bringing pets, young children or other passengers with you? Make sure you have the food and other special necessities (such as baby diapers and wipes) they’d need, too.

When you head out, be sure you have at least a half tank of gas, a fully charged cellphone and the phone’s portable charger. Even if you’re not going far, it could take longer than it should (like if traffic comes to a standstill). Destination not a routine one like work or school? “Tell someone where you’re going and when you should get there,” Dr. Elliot says. “That way, if you run into trouble, they’ll know where to look for you.”

Sometimes more is even better. Take safety to the next level by adding these items to your kit:

• Snow shovel
• Tire pump
• Extra clothing – coats, hats and mittens
• Sleeping bags
• Battery-powered radio and extra batteries
• Candles and waterproof matches
• A whistle to attract help
• An empty, clean container for melting snow to drink
• Essential medicines

“Remember, one of the best ways to avoid winter problems is to listen to local forecasts and travel advisories,” Dr. Elliot says. “When bad conditions are expected, reconsider your plans if they’re not truly necessary.” Headed to roads less traveled or going a longer distance? Take a look at the conditions along your route and at your destination.