Be safe this holiday season: Organize a survival kit for your car
From the Wellness Center
The Wellness Center wishes everyone a happy, healthy and safe winter break. As you prepare to travel during the holiday season, please keep in mind these tips to keep you and your passengers safe on the road.
Organize a winter car survival kit
- Several blankets
- Sleeping bags
- Extra set of mittens, socks, wool hat and boots
- Matches
- Brightly colored cloth to use as a flag
- Bottled water
- Nonperishable food
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Flares or reflectors
- Windshield washer fluid
- Small shovel
- Ice scraper
- Abrasive material for traction (sand, salt or kitty litter)
Make sure your car is winter ready
- Is the battery good?
- Tires – is the tread OK?
- See and be seen. Keep your windows clear of snow.
- Put no-freeze liquid in the washer reservoir.
- Check your cooling system's antifreeze.
- Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.
While driving, protect yourself
- Slow down! Stopping distances are longer on snow and ice.
- Buckle up.
- Sit 10 inches away from an air bag.
- Get plenty of rest. Stop every hour to avoid fatigue.
- As always, drugs, alcohol and driving don't mix – especially on slippery roads.
