With winter settled in just about everywhere in the country, it’s not quite as easy to hop in the car for an impromptu trip as it is in the summer. Still, spur-of-the-moment weekends away and planned road trips are fun at any time of year. In the winter, you just need to do a bit more preparation and be more aware of what could go wrong. Here are some tips:
- Get your car in tip-top condition before you leave home. While breaking down isn’t fun on any trip, it can be deadly if it happens in a remote area during the dead of winter. So have your oil changed and take your car for a check-up before you go. Have all of the fluids topped off, have your tires checked (they may need to be rotated, balanced or replaced) and make sure that everything is in good working order.
- Watch the weather report. If a blizzard is scheduled to blow in to wherever you’re going, then you’ll need to make a contingency plan. Even if you’re comfortable driving in the snow on a daily basis, driving hundreds of miles in the snow is tiring, frustrating and dangerous. Driving in the ice is even more treacherous. Don’t try to be a hero; make sensible choices when it comes to dealing with the winter weather.
- Pack plenty of food and water, as well as other emergency supplies. If you do get stuck, it’s best not to head out on foot unless you’re in a populated area. Be prepared to spend a night or two in your car if necessary. Make sure that you have food and water for each person, blankets, a flashlight, flares, a spare tire, a snow brush, medications that anyone in your family may need, and pet supplies if you are taking Fluffy or Rover along for the trip. Better safe than sorry, after all!
- Refresh your memory when it comes to winter driving. If you currently live in an area that receives little or no snow, then you might find yourself panicking if you hit snow. Take it slowly, remember to let your anti-lock braking system do its job if you find yourself sliding, and gently turn in the direction that you’re skidding if you find yourself starting to lose control.
- Pack diversions. Particularly if you are traveling with children, make sure that you pack enough for them to do to stay occupied. If the weather is inclement or very cold, they won’t be able to run off a lot of energy like they would be able to in the summer. Coloring books, DVDs, handheld game consoles, craft supplies, reading material and maybe even some schoolwork can help stave off the cries of “I’m bored!”
Wintertime road trips are doable, and can be done safely if you take the proper precautions. Enjoy your trip!
