Southeast Tech Travel Safety
John Hale, Southeast Technical College Truck Driving Instructor The winter season has returned and in order to remain acclimated to the change in weather, it’s important that we look closely at our driving styles and prepare for the subzero weather and icy roads to come. With the holidays fast approaching, it’s likely that you’ll be spending a lot of time with your loved ones— particularly in the car. In order to ensure a happy and safe holiday, it’s important that we take time to think about any upcoming travels and the road conditions ahead. Before leaving on your trip, it’s a good idea to have your vehicle checked and washed, cleansing all of the exterior windows for the best possible visibility. Filling your windshield reservoir and carrying an extra gallon of solution in the trunk will aid in emergencies and double-checking the quality of your tires is crucial as they are often a cause of real problems in the winter weather. Make certain that your heater and defroster fans are in working order as well, and more importantly, be careful where and how you pack the vehicle—do not block your visibility from any window. Knowing the characteristics of the road you will be traveling on will be of great importance throughout your journey. Is it a county road or a state road? Is it well-traveled and how well is it typically maintained and plowed? Allow extra time for winter road conditions and reduce your speed by 10 mph in order to prevent accidents. Decreasing the amount of distance it takes you to stop will prevent a potential accident by 33 percent. Traveling an alternate route may take a little longer, but if the extra time will get you safely to your destination, then it’s well worth the wait. If an accident does occur, make sure you have some emergency supplies stored in case you should become stranded. Some necessities include candles, flashlights, blankets, reflectors and nutritious survival food. It’s ideal to stay inside of your vehicle until help arrives, but if your vehicle is stuck in the snow, clear the snow from around the exhaust to run the vehicle safely in order to keep warm without danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Have a safe and happy holiday season, and remember, “the most important mile you will ever drive is the one directly in front of you.”
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