Winter driving is coming. Indiana State Police offers the following tips.
Be prepared:
- Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.
- Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
- Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlight, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit, and jumper cables.
- Have a cell phone and charger cord available.
- Slow down on snow/ice covered roads.
- Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
- Clear all vehicle windows of ice and snow. Remove snow from hood, roof, and lights.
- Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
- Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually.
Should you become stranded:
- Don’t leave your car. It’s the best protection you have.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
- Roll down your window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle.
- Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don’t panic. An idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour.