Essential travel tips to ensure safe journeys during winter

Traveling during winter requires careful planning, awareness of potential hazards, and a well-equipped vehicle. Winter weather, including snow, ice, and freezing rain, can create challenging and dangerous conditions on roads and highways. This article provides essential guidance on preparing for winter travel, ensuring vehicle safety, and handling emergencies effectively.

Preparation for Winter Travel
Before setting out on a journey during the winter months, it is crucial to check weather forecasts and road conditions. Reliable sources, such as the National Weather Service and state transportation websites, provide up-to-date information. Many states also have dedicated winter road condition hotlines.

Travelers should plan routes with alternate options in case of closures or severe conditions. Applications like Waze and Google Maps offer real-time traffic updates and can assist in navigating around obstacles. Another useful website when traveling in Missouri is MoDOT’s Traveler Information Map, which offers updates on road conditions as well as road closings and construction. It is advisable to inform someone of your travel plans and estimated arrival time.

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

• Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper for clearing snow and ice.
• Abrasive material like sand or kitty litter for traction.
• Jumper cables for restarting your car.
• Blankets and warm clothing for protection against the cold.
• Non-perishable food and bottled water for sustenance.
• Flashlight with extra batteries for visibility.
• First aid kit to address minor injuries.
• Warning devices like flares or reflective markers for signaling.
• Mobile phone charger to maintain communication.
• Essential medications for health needs.

Vehicle Equipment Safety

Ensuring your vehicle is winter-ready is critical for 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 off the windshield washer fluid with a winter-grade solution, ensuring anti-freeze levels are adequate, and replacing wiper blades if necessary. Having a full gas tank reduces the risk of fuel line freeze and provides additional weight for better stability.

The Basics

Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In 2022, there were an estimated 153,620 police-reported traffic crashes during snow or sleet conditions. Increase your following distance to allow plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.

Avoid crowding snow plows. Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, and overlap lanes. Stay far enough behind them and exercise caution when passing.

What to Do in an Emergency

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

• Stay with your car and avoid overexertion.
• Make your car visible with bright 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, so does tire inflation pressure. Ensure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure, found 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 may provide additional traction in snowy conditions.

Car Seats
Dress children in thin, warm layers for proper car seat harness fit. Place blankets over the children after securing the harness. Verify 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.

Safety Technologies
Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s safety features, including antilock brakes. Apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal if equipped with antilock brakes. Without antilock brakes, pump the brakes if the wheels lock up.

Floor Mats
Use properly sized and secured floor mats to avoid interference with pedals. Install mats correctly and use retention clips.

Lights
Check headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and trailer lights for functionality. Replace any bulbs as needed.

Windshield Wipers
Ensure 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 System
Maintain adequate coolant levels and inspect the system for leaks or worn parts. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual for specifications.

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

Plan Your Route
Check weather and traffic reports. Delay non-essential travel during severe weather. Plan for breaks on long trips and communicate your route and estimated arrival time.

Allow extra time for winter trips. Drive during daylight hours and stay on main roads. Reduce speed and increase the following distance. Avoid sudden stops and quick turns to maintain control. If stalled, stay with your car, conserve fuel, and monitor for carbon monoxide risks.

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

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