Traveling When It Snows
Posted by
John DemasJanuary 13, 2011 2:13 PM
When traveling in the winter one would definitely benefit from checking out the environment and weather climate of their destination, as snow is an ever-changing medium. Safety is the most important thing to keep in mind, especially when traveling in snow or regions where snow is possible.
Below are some tips and suggestions to make traveling in the snow less cumbersome.
Staying Warm and Safe in the Snow
First and foremost, if you’re going outside in the cold, proper clothing and outer wear is crucial to staying safe and warm. If traveling from the south, one may not be able to adjust to the cold so easily.
Earmuffs, gloves, waterproof boots and heavy coat are basic essentials. Cotton clothing should be avoided - it gets wet and stays wet. Wet skin will freeze faster. Stick with wool or other fabrics.
Give your child a snack before going out in the snow. The calories help to give their bodies energy in the cold weather.
It may seem odd to consider sunburn in the winter months, but it’s important to protect your kids’ faces with sunscreen the sun’s ultraviolet rays are still present.
Bring your health insurance card in case an unexpected illness or emergency arises.
Traveling by Car
Before driving, get the snow or ice off the vehicle, including the roof. Check your battery, wiper blades, tires, tire jack, antifreeze and lights.
Be prepared to move about slowly in the snow. Decrease your speed and allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the care ahead of you. Give yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going and to accomplish the things you set out to do.
Be sure to have a blanket, extra set of cloths, snow scraper, full tank of gas, a fully charged cell phone, some food and an emergency contact list in the event you get stuck in a storm or accident. Always let someone know where you are and where you are headed.
To avoid skidding, brake gently. If your wheels begin to lock up, ease off the brake.
Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
Don't pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you're likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind. Plows moving in high winds can create a snow cloud, limiting visibility and the operator may not be able to see you.
Air Travel
Flying somewhere? Check with the airline about possible delays or cancellations before leaving for the airport. You can easily check online with your cell phone if you have internet access or be sure to carry the airline’s phone number with you.
You want to be in contact with the snow and the outdoors in limited amounts when possible. Frost bite and hyperthermia happen faster than one might think. Traveling during the winter months and experiencing the snow can be nice but preparation and knowledge of your surroundings is imperative.