The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Be prepared for winter roadside emergencies
Inclement winter weather in Northeast Ohio can make driving a challenge.
Any amount of time spent on the roadways during bad weather, whether making a 10-minute commute to work or traveling a great distance for the holidays, can put you at risk of encountering a roadside emergency.
While emergency situations can’t always be avoided being prepared will help motorists survive them easier.
Making sure a car is prepared to be on the roads in inclement weather is the first step to staying safe when the weather turns bad.
Lt. Charles Gullet, of the Ohio Highway Patrol’s Chardon Post, suggests the first thing to do before heading out on to the roadways is to check the tires, make sure they are not worn and have good tread depth. He also advises checking the battery and making sure it has good strength.
“A major thing is the windshield washer fluid, make sure you have windshield washer fluid in your vehicle so when that inclement weather comes, the rain or the snow mix, you can have that to clear your window up so you have visibility,” he said.
Gullet also recommends making sure to have plenty of gas in the vehicle.
“Sometimes with inclement weather, there is the opportunity for traffic jams where you could be sitting in traffic for long periods of time,” he said.
Having plenty of gas in the car could mean avoiding running out gas while sitting in a traffic jam.
According to Gullet, some of the roadside emergencies OHP sees during the winter includes involvement in a traffic crash caused by not being able to stop in time or being struck by another vehicle. Also there is the possibility of going too fast on wet or icy roads and sliding off the road into a ditch. Vehicle break downs and running out of gas could also leave a motorist stranded on the side of the road.
To be prepared in the case of a roadside emergency motorist should have an emergency kit in their car.
Gullet has a list of items motorists should have in their vehicle winter emergency kits. The list includes a snowbrush and a bottle of de-icing windshield washing fluid.
In addition to a cellphone, have a back-up method to charge the cell phone such as a power bank.
“In case your are stuck on the side of the roadway and you cant stay warm in your vehicle because the car is not running or the weather is just so cold, it’s always good to have additional items such as blankets,” Gullet said.
Another good item to keep on hand is bottled water and nonperishable food or snack items in case a person is stranded for any length of time.
It’s always a good idea to have jumper cables in the car, according to Gullet.
He also advises keeping a flashlight and first-aid kit.
Additional items he recommends in case the vehicle gets stuck is snowmelt, rock salt or kitty litter which can be used as an abrasion to help tires grip if the car should be stuck on ice. He also recommends a small shovel to help dig the car out if its stuck in the snow.
Emergency flares are important to have. Putting them on the side of the road alerts other motorists to a stop vehicle near the roadway.
Gullet notes that this is not a comprehensive list of items to keep on hand but just some of the major items that can help prepare a motorist in case they are stuck in traffic or on the side of the road during the winter months.
If the vehicle should become stuck or disabled the first thing to do is call 911. Next, after putting out emergency flares to alert other motorists, Gullet suggest staying inside the vehicle until help arrives.
“You do not want to be outside your car, that could put you in a hazardous situation if another vehicle loses control and slides into you,” he said.
He also recommends if the vehicle will start, run it to stay warm, but only after making sure the exhaust is not blocked by snow or anything else. A blocked exhaust could lead to carbon monoxide filling the vehicle and become a deadly situation.
Additionally, he suggest turning on the interior dome light to illuminate yourself and be visible to passing motorists, alerting them to the need for assistance.
Gullet also advises motorists to take their time and not be in a rush to reach their destination and let others know the route they are planning to travel.
“If you are traveling somewhere, the person you communicated with can let law enforcement or someone know hey, this is the route they planned on taking they should of been here by now. Can you check this area,” he said.
The Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness offers more tips on winter emergency kits, winterizing a car, winter driving tips and what to do if stranded at www.weathersafety.ohio.gov/WinterVehicleSafetyTips.
“As always protect yourself by wearing your safety belt, making sure everyone in your vehicle is restrained and never drink and drive,” Gullet said.