Road Trips With Ol’ Man Winter

Each year Ol’ Man Winter arrives for a visit and hangs around for a couple of months.  There is no sending him home, so what’s a host to do?  We find a way to make the most of his visit while staying safe, careful and stress free. 

Travel Bags With Annita has a top ten list for staying safe on the snowy roads:

10.  Keep your car in tip/top shape; ready to handle winter road conditions.  

9.  Keep your car filled with gas to avoid a gas line freeze.

8.  Make sure tires are properly inflated and not worn.

7.  Have a fully charged cell phone and program family and emergency numbers in your contact list.  Let family and friends know where you are on your trip, and your estimated arrival time.

6.  Pack a just in case bag that includes, a flashlight, small bag of kitty litter*, a blanket, a couple of bottles of water, a canned snack, hat, scarf and water proof boots in your trunk.

5.  If you become stranded, stay in the car, run the engine as long as possible (make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked)

4.  Do not stop going up hill.  Keep moving, even if slowly.  It is much harder to get your car moving again after stopping.  Avoid stopping when possibly, even on level roads.

3.  Do not use cruise control when driving on any slipper surface (sand, ice or wet).  Sudden changes in speed can cause you to spin out of control.

2.  Drive slowly and take your time.  Know your brakes and how quick they respond.

1.  Never, ever drive fatigued, especially in conditions where your focus and attention needs to be sharp and your ability to respond in sudden situations must be quick.  Rest or sleep prior to getting on the road.

Being safe on the road is important for everyone and a final tip – no texting, emailing, reading maps or anything distracting while on the road.  Travel Bags With Annita wants you to arrive at your destination safe and ready for your next great adventure.

 

 

Travel Bags With Annita is a travel talk radio show broadcasting in the North Georgia, Atlanta, South and North Carolina area.  

Any comments or additional tips for weather a visit from ol’ man winter?  Email us:  info@travelbagswithannita.com

*Small bag of kitty litter can be used to get your tires spinning if you get stuck!

Intro photo courtesy of ICEHOTEL