1 – If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle. It is safer to remain inside your vehicle and wait for help than to try and walk. Make sure someone knows where you are going and when you should arrive. If something happens, search workers will have a better chance of finding you quicker if they know where to look.
2 – Don’t take Shortcuts. Main roads are usually maintained and plowed much more often than smaller side roads. Getting stuck or lost off the beaten path can make getting help more difficult. This also goes will sticking to your planned route, deviating from your planned route could make finding you, if an emergency occurs, more difficult for emergency services.
3 – Don’t use Cruise Control. The conditions change rapidly on the road surface, such as on bridges. Drive a speed appropriate to the conditions, even if it is slower than the normal speed limit. You need to have full control of the vehicle so you can change speeds, etc. Plan ahead – leave plenty of room between you and other vehicles, for slowing down to turn or stop – using light, steady breaking. Don’t think that because you have special features like ABS, traction control, or 4-wheel drive, if your brakes lock, you will lose control of the vehicle.
4 – Plan Ahead. Plan both your travel route and stops. Driving in bad weather is tiring, so make sure you plan your stops often and allow time for resting. Have your vehicle systems checked, including lights, belts, hoses, fluids, and heater, and make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth; recommended minimum is 1/8 of an inch. Either use winter tires or have chains available.
5 – Pack Proper Supplies. Essential supplies include a first aid kit, water, food, blankets, flashlight with new batteries, jumper cables, shovel, salt or kitty litter, flares, scraper and brush, and a CB radio or cell phone.
