Safety Tips for Winter Travel

Winter travel brings additional dangers that should be considered. Whenever possible, avoid driving in snow or ice storms. If you are required to travel in bad weather, drive slowly and cautiously, allowing extra time for your trip. Let someone know where you are going, the route you are taking, and when you expect to arrive so they can alert authorities, if you do not reach your destination. Remember these tips:

• Keep standard emergency equipment in your vehicle, including a cell phone, flashlight, jumper cables or equivalent jump box, sand or kitty litter (for traction), ice scraper, snow brush, small shovel, blankets and warning devices (flares, reflectors, etc.).
• For long trips, drivers should keep their vehicles equipped with water, snacks, extra blankets, and any required medications in case of an emergency.
• Remember, snow packed in or around the exhaust pipe can cause high levels of carbon monoxide in the car. If you become stuck in the snow, clear all snow away from the exhaust pipe while you wait for assistance. Do not sit in a parked car with the engine running, unless a window is open slightly to let in fresh air. Wrap yourself in blankets, only running the car’s heater for a few minutes every hour to keep warm if the vehicle is low on gas.

For more safety tips and information about preparing for winter travel, visit the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) website at https://www.osha.gov/Publications/SafeDriving.pdf.