Shuffle Saturday: Travel Safely!

Already this year we have had one severe blizzard under our belt. You know the dreaded weather with freezing rain turning to ice, heavy, blowing snowflakes, and drifting on the highways, followed by falling temperatures. Not fun unless you are cozy inside.

Last weekend, while this storm hit the upper Midwest of the United States, I remember being curled up in front of the computer reading the Detroit News about how motorists were stranded along highways in Northwest Indiana, the hardest area hit of the storm, for up to twelve hours. Thankfully, everyone remained warm and safe in their cars waiting for rescuers until the stormed finally passed.

With the Holiday season upon us this week, I hope everyone has safe travels on the roads. With all the Christmas shuffle, remember to take a few minutes to prepare for the journey. Here are some tips I remember my dad taught me growing up, instilling them into my head.

• Make sure your gas tank is at least half full at all times to avoid running out of gas and freezing.
• Plan your route and tell someone ahead of time.
• Winterize your vehicle to have in excellent, working condition.
• Rotate your tires before winter and keep them properly inflated and in good condition.
• Check to the bulbs on your headlights, making sure they work at all times.
• Remove snow from headlights when scraping the car.
• Fill your windshield with anti-freeze fluids for washing your windshield and check the wipers.
• Carefully watch the road and appropriately slow down for bad weather.
• Always buckle up for safety.

Also, create a car kit to keep your car stocked for winter travel.

• Have a fully-charged cell phone with you for long trips in bad weather.
• Keep a shovel in the trunk.
• Store a bag of sand or cat litter in the trunk for traction.
• Place an ice scraper near the front dash board.
• Have available a tow rope.
• Keep a heavy blanket or old sleeping bag in your back seat for easy access.
• You may want a flashlight.
• Bring along a candle and matches.
• Make sure to throw in a book to read.
• Carry a portable weather radio.
• Store lock de-icer.
• Throw in some water bottles and snack foods for the trip.
• Have long jumper cables close by in the trunk.

Remember that ultimately it is better to stay home when advised to be off the roads per the weather report. However, should you be out and about in a bad snowstorm, follow these tips. If you get stuck, stay in your vehicle and wait for help.