Six Tips For Surviving A Winter Storm In A Vehicle
Winter weather often poses a dangerous risk to drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drivers are 36 percent more likely to be involved in a vehicle accident in January than July. Preparing for winter driving and learning defensive driving skills can certainly help avoid on-the-road accidents, but about 25 percent of winter driving injuries result from being trapped in a vehicle during a storm.
- STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE
Do not leave the vehicle to look for help unless help is visible within 100 yards. - DISPLAY A “CALL FOR HELP” SIGN
Raise the vehicle’s hood or hang a brightly colored cloth on the antenna to signal for help. - KEEP WARM
Turn on the car’s engine for about 10 minutes each hour. Do light exercise to keep warm. Wrap your body and head with extra clothes, blankets, newspapers, maps or removable car mats. - AVOID CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING
Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and slightly open a window for fresh air. - STAY AWAKE
If you’re alone, stay awake as much as possible. If more than one person is in the vehicle, take turns sleeping. - AVOID OVEREXERTION
Since cold weather puts an added strain on the heart, unaccustomed exercise such as shoveling or pushing a vehicle can bring on a heart attack.
