Winter Driving

Winter travelling by automobile can be serious business. If you do a lot of winter driving in isolated regions, you might consider having Citizen’s Band radio. Heed the warnings, Local weather offices of the federal Atmospheric Environment Service issue warning’s of winter weather conditions for blizzards, heavy snow etc.

• Blizzards: are the most perilous of winter storms combining falling, blowing, drifting snow, winds up to 40km/hour, temperatures less than minus 10 degrees Celsius, for durations of six hours or more.
• Heavy Snow: Ten centimetres or more in 12 hours, or 15cm or more in 24 hours.
• Freezing rain or drizzle: an ice storm coating roads, trees, overhead wires, etc.
• Cold Wave: A rapid fall in temperature in a short period, requiring greater than normal protective measures.
• Winds: The cause of blizzard conditions, drifting, reduced visibility and wind-chill effects.

  Pre winter check list to ensure you don’t get abandoned on the road by your car, ignition system, battery, lights, cooling system, fuel system, lubrication, exhaust system, heater, breaks, wipers, defroster, snow tires, chains, antifreeze, winter oil.

When you travel, drive with caution, measure your speed to conditions.

Don’t press on. If the going gets tough, turn back.

Make sure you have ample gasoline.

Keep your radio tuned to a local station for weather advice.

In your Car:

As a rule, it is a good idea to keep your gas tank almost full during the winter and to have extra windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze on hand. You may want to put together two small emergency kits; one to put in the trunk of your car and the other in the cab of the car.

The trunk kit should include:

• Shovel, sand, or salt, Cat litter or other traction aids
• Tow chain and booster cables
• Fire extinguisher, warning light or flares
• Extra clothing, including mittens, hat and boots

  The kit in the cab of the car should include:

• Flashlight
• Blanket
• First-aid kit
• Matches, candles( in a deep can to warm hands or heat and drink)
• And emergency food pack

  Car Kit:

• Traction mats
• Compass
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Warning light or red flares
• Extra clothing and footwear
• Axe or Hatchet
• Ice Scraper or brush
• Road maps
• Fire extinguisher
• Methyl hydrate( for fuel line and windshield de-icing)
• First-aid kit with seatbelt cutter