Winter Driving

511 WI TRAVEL INFORMATION / CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS

Driving in hazardous conditions also requires some forethought on what you may need for the conditions: water for long trips, blankets and coats for wintry rides, and so forth. Regardless of road conditions, it is a good idea to have a basic first-aid kit in the car.

Beyond bandages, antibacterial ointment, antihistamine, and any other medication that might be necessary, a good first-aid kit should have a couple of large towels, preferably dark in color, for use to apply pressure and cover a wound. The kit should also include cloth bandage wraps, cotton swabs, liquid tears, pain reliever, and a guide to CPR, which can be found online and printed.

For a trip in what might be adverse conditions, add to your preparation kit accordingly. If you plan on traveling through snowy slopes, have tire chains ready. Also include some outerwear that can get dirty and wet, including pants, coat, and gloves, as you might find yourself beneath the car putting the snow chains on. Rubber gardening gloves work well, as they protect your hands but allow you to use your fingers with enough dexterity to complete the task.

If the trip will be through rain, bring some waterproof and spare clothing so no one has to stay in wet clothes should something happen. You should always consider what would happen if you were to be involved in an accident or if your vehicle breaks down. A charged mobile phone is, of course, ideal for any road trip, and it can save a tremendous amount of time and trouble in case you get stranded or need other assistance.

Snow and rain are not the only adverse conditions. Extreme heat can be hard on vehicles, not to mention the humans and pets they carry. Make sure there is enough water for everyone. Use air conditioning wisely, and be prepared to have to turn it off through steep mountain climbs or in other circumstances when your engine might overheat or you need more power. Wet cloths can help keep the driver and passengers cooler if there is no air conditioning.

Other hazardous conditions drivers may encounter, such as strong winds that down tree limbs or power lines, require extra caution from motorists. The most important thing is to stay focused on the road: what is ahead of you and what is behind you.

Don't let the outside conditions disrupt your attention. If the situation is making you uneasy, slow down. Other motorists who wish to hurry around you might not appreciate it, but it is up to you to ensure you are driving safely. Make your own well-being and that of your passengers the top priority, and don't worry about other, more aggressive drivers.

Drive Smart

The first rule of driving in hazardous conditions, which often includes times of low visibility, is to use common sense. Slow down. If you can't see more than a few feet in front of your vehicle, it is unsafe to drive. In this case, pull off the road as far as you can, turn on your hazards, and get away from the vehicle and the roadway in case your car is struck by another motorist who can't see anything either.