Preparation is key for winter driving

Winter weather is coming, sooner rather than later. Kimball County Sheriff Harry Gillway shared some important winter driving safety tips.

Preparing ahead of time is key, and Gillway added that getting your car serviced is important for the winter ahead.

· Have your tires checked.

· Have your brakes checked.

· Have your battery checked.

· Have your cooling system thoroughly checked.

· Have your windshield washer reservoir filled. Keep extra on hand in your vehicle.

· Have your windshield wipers and defrosters checked.

“Your service person should be able to tell you whether your vehicle is mechanically sound,” he said.

Once your vehicle is ready for the challenging season ahead, it is important that you know how it handles in winter weather conditions.

“Not all cars and trucks handle the same,” Gillway said. “Remember not to use your cruise control on wet, snowy or icy conditions and always wear your seatbelt!”

Planning your travel and route in advance is also important.

· Keep yourself and others safe by planning ahead before you venture out into bad weather.

· Check the weather, road conditions, and traffic; plan to leave early if necessary.

· Don’t rush! Allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

· Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go, even if you use a GPS system, and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time.

· Keep your gas tank close to full. If you get stuck in snow, you might need more fuel to get home or keep warm. Note: To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning when stuck in snow, be sure to keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear of snow and ice, run your vehicle only in the open with the windows partially down, and run it only long enough to keep warm.

· Wait until road and weather conditions improve before venturing out in your vehicle. If road conditions are hazardous, avoid driving if possible.

· Stay with your vehicle and DO NOT VENTURE OUT IN A BLIZZARD!

“If you have to pull off the roadway due to bad road or visibility conditions make sure your vehicle is as far off the road as possible,” he added. “Turn your hazard lights (flashers) and the inner light on.”

Gillway further suggests that travelers carry items in the vehicle to handle common winter driving tasks, such as cleaning off a windshield, as well as any supplies that may be needed in an emergency. Keep the following on hand:

· Wear or at least have winter clothing and/or winter coats in your car.

· Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper.

· Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow.

· Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and markers;

· Blankets for protection from the cold.

· Cell phone with charger.

· Water

· Food

· Necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in the county… our roads can drift in and there are plenty of places we don’t have cellphone service)