A holiday or New Year’s trip to Grandma’s house can be a highlight of the year for your family. Getting there safely should be in the forefront of your trip preparations, especially when winter weather has gripped the area, Kansas Insurance Commissioner Sandy Praeger said.
Commissioner Praeger said the same emphasis on safety is also important when you stay at home during a winter storm.
“The following suggestions, gathered from several sources, could help you make it safely through either winter scenario,” Praeger said. “Since our first major storm of the season happened even before winter officially arrived, these tips are timely.”
On the road
* Keeping your car in top operating condition is a good rule of thumb year-round, but having it checked by a qualified mechanic before your winter trip is particularly important. Have the mechanic check all the vitals: brakes, battery, fluid levels, tire pressure, tire treadwear, windshield wipers and light bulbs, to name a few. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual to see if the vehicle’s current mileage corresponds to any scheduled maintenance.
* If you have a long drive ahead of you, and the weather is unsettled, make sure you have emergency equipment: a first-aid kit, flashlights, a battery-powered radio, blankets, drinking water, snacks, a shovel, jumper cables, ice scrapers, extra cash or credit cards, sleeping bags, facial tissues and paper towels, a tow rope, layered clothing, bright-colored flag material and a sack of sand or cat litter.
* Get plenty of sleep before a long trip.
* Have a fully charged cell phone — and pack your vehicle phone-charging unit.
* Make sure all your passengers wear a seat belt.
* Keep the gas tank at least half full all the time.
* Let someone at your destination know your timetable.
* Don’t assume the posted speed is safe under anything but dry, clear conditions. On snow or ice, traction generated by your tires is only from one-half to one-tenth as great as you are accustomed to on dry pavement.
* Clear any snow away from the heater inlets (usually at the base of the vehicle’s windshield).
* Be alert for deer near roadways, especially at dawn and dusk.
If you are in an automobile accident, follow these guidelines: Call the local law enforcement; obtain names, phone numbers, insurance policy numbers and addresses of persons involved in the accident, as well as any witnesses; record the time, date, location and road conditions at the time of the accident; and take notes each time you talk to an insurance company, agent or others involved in the situation.
