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Driving in Snow or Ice
  • If you must travel, consider taking public transportation.  Call 336-RIDE for schedule information.  If you travel by car, travel in the day, don't travel alone, and keep others informed of your schedule. Stay on main roads; avoid back-road shortcuts.
  • Keep your vehicle "winterized" with antifreeze.  
  • Carry a "winter car kit" in the trunk of your vehicle.  Following are some items you may want to have available:
    -  windshield scraper
    -  shovel
    -  battery-powered radio
    -  flashlight
    -  extra batteries
    -  water
    -  snack food
    -  mittens
    -  head covering
    -  blanket
    -  tow chains or rope
    -  tie chains
    -  bag of road salt
    -  sand
    -  florescent distress flag
    -  booster cables
    -  road map
    -  emergency flares
  • If a blizzard traps you in your car: 
  • Pull off the highway.  Set your hazard lights to the "flashing" position, and hang a distress flag from the radio antenna or window. 
    Remain in your vehicle where rescuers are most likely to find you.  Do not venture out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can get shelter.  Distances are often distorted by blowing snow.  A building may seem close, but be too far to walk to in deep snow.
    Run the engine and heater about ten minutes each hour to keep warm.  When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. This will protect you from possible carbon monoxide poisoning.  Periodically clear away the snow from the exhaust pipe.
    Exercise to maintain body heat, but avoid overexertion. In extreme cold, use anything available for insulation.  Huddle with other passengers and use your coat for a blanket.
    Take turns sleeping.  One person should always be awake at all times to look for rescue opportunities.
    Balance electrical needs, use of lights, heat and the radio, with supply.
    If stranded in a remote rural area, spread a large cloth over the snow by attract attention of any rescue personnel who may be surveying the area.

 

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