Winter storms aren’t uncommon in the U.S., and many of the fatalities that occur from them are related to traffic accidents. Trauma from skidding and sliding vehicle impacts or even hypothermia from being stranded outside occur from poor visibility, dangerous road conditions, and even downed trees and power lines.
Winter conditions don’t just affect people; they affect cars as well. Cold affects rubber and metal; it even decreases battery efficiency. Tires are more stiff and flat for the first few hundred yards. Motor oil and other lubricants become thicker. All this combines make the engine work harder.
Therefore, vehicles that will be doing duty in extreme cold should be “winterized.” This involves switching to a lighter viscosity oil, changing to snow tires, and choosing the right (anti-freeze) ratio of coolant to water. Gas tanks should be full if at all possible.
OUTSIDE IN A BLIZZARD
You’re not a bear, so you can’t hibernate through the cold weather; you’ll have to take measures to avoid getting stranded out in the cold. Many deaths from exposure are avoidable if simple precautions are taken.
The first thing that you should do before planning a day outdoors in snowy weather is consult your weather radio for the forecast. If a storm is on the way, postpone your outing until the weather improves.
Dress appropriately and in layers. Each successive layer of clothing traps warm air near your body. Wool is the best material for staying warm. Unlike cotton, wool will stay warm even if somewhat wet, and wicks perspiration away from the skin, useful if you’re digging your way out if stuck in the snow. Wet clothing causes you to lose body core temperature faster. Mittens will keep your hands warmer than gloves.
DRIVING IN A BLIZZARD
Remember the cardinal rule: Do not drive during a blizzard unless it’s a true emergency. If conditions worsen, pull over safely rather than tough it out. It’s preferable to get off the highway entirely rather than stay on the shoulder. Turn on the hazard lights.
In fact, the first question you should ask before you get in the car in cold weather is “Is this trip necessary?”.
If you don’t have to leave the house in a snowstorm, don’t. Period. If you do, drive as if your life depended on it, because it does.
- Go slow, I mean slow.
- Increase the distance between the car in front of you significantly,
- Stay in your lane. Don’t weave.
- Make turns slowly and deliberately.
- Use low gear on hills.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Avoid quick stops and starts.
STRANDED IN THE SNOW!
Let’s say that, despite your best efforts, you’re stuck on the road in a blizzard. Help may be on the way, but what if it isn’t? It’s important to stay calm and don’t leave the car. It’s warmer there than outside and you’re protected from the wind. As a matter of fact, never leave the vehicle unless help is clearly visible and near. Call emergency services if a signal is available.
Wet snow can block up your exhaust pipes and cause carbon monoxide gas to enter the passenger compartment. You’ll need fresh air, but don’t crack a window on the side where the wind is coming from.
If you’re in a group, huddle together as best you can to create a warm pocket in the car. Rub your hands, put them in your armpits, or otherwise keep moving; this will help your muscles produce heat.
Maybe you can dig yourself out, but beware of overexertion in extreme cold. You’ll sweat, and wet clothes are a main cause of hypothermia. If you have flares, use them to let others know you need help, that is, if there’s a reasonable chance they’ll be seen.
Other strategies include:
- Run the engine and heater only about 10 minutes every hour (or less) to warm up.
- Open a window away from the direction of the wind slightly for ventilation.
- Keep exhaust pipes clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide buildup.
- Make your vehicle visible: keep hazard lights on, tie bright cloth to antenna or reflective items/flashlights to make that white car of yours more visible, or pile snow to make some kind of signal.
- Eat snacks for calories and stay hydrated.
- Learn to recognize the signs of hypothermia (shivering stops, confusion, slurred speech) and frostbite (numb, pale skin
THE WINTER SURVIVAL CAR KIT
Vehicle medical kit
There are a number of items that you should always have in your car, especially in cold weather. These are meant to keep you safe if the unthinkable happens and you’re stranded without hope of rescue.
Your blizzard survival car kit should contain:
- Wool blankets (for warmth; wool can stay warm even if wet)
- Spare sets of dry clothes, especially socks, hats, and mittens.
- Hand warmers or other instant heat packs (activated by shaking, they’ll last for hours).
- Matches, lighters, and fire starters to manufacture heat
- Flashlights and candles (keep batteries in backwards until you need them to extend life).
- Small multi-tool with blade, screwdrivers, pliers, etc.
- Larger combination tool like a foldable military surplus shovel (some are multipurpose and can be used as an axe or saw)
- Sand or rock salt (to give traction where needed).
- Tow chain or rope.
- Flares.
- Starter cables (for jump starts).
- Water and food (energy bars, MREs, dehydrated soups, candies).
- Baby wipes (for hygiene purposes).
- A medical kit and medications.
- Tarp and duct tape (brightly colored ones will be more visible and aid rescue).
- Metal cup or thermos (to melt snow, make soup, etc.)
- Noisemaker (whistle) to signal for help.
- Cell phone and charger, weather radio.
Don’t let winter storm drives be the end of the road. Avoid them altogether; you’ll be glad you did.
Dr. Joe Alton
Read the full article here