As I write this we are experiencing our first winter weather advisory of the season and as the holidays approach, more of us will be out on the road. Unfortunately, three of the deadliest days on our roads are Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. In addition, according to the Iowa Department of Transportation from January 1st to August 25th, 2015, 203 people died in crashes, a six percent increase from 2014. So before packing up the kids and heading “over the river and through the woods” to Grandma’s house make sure you’re driving safely!
Winter Weather Driving Tips
AAA of Iowa provides these tips to help you drive safely during winter:
- Buckle up. Make sure everyone in the vehicle is wearing their seat belt.
- Avoid driving when you’re tired or under the influence. Driving while drowsy or intoxicated is dangerous. Wait until you’re well rested, take breaks and/or call a designated driver.
- Nix the cell phone. To avoid distractions turn your cell phone off and place it out of your reach.
- Know your teen’s driving abilities. Driving on snowy or icy roads is nerve racking even for experienced drivers. You will want to help your teen become a better driver by providing some winter driving tips.
- Stopping on slippery surfaces requires longer stopping and following distances.
- Stay in the lane that has been cleared most recently.
- If you get stuck, use traction mats or spread some sand, salt or kitty litter in front of and in back of the drive wheels.
- Do not use cruise control when driving on wet, snowy or icy roads.
Winter Vehicle Maintenance
Make sure your vehicle is ready for your next winter road trip:
- Get vehicles serviced so they’re operating well.
- Check tire pressure and tire tread routinely.
- Ensure headlights and windshield are clean.
- Ensure windshield wipers are working.
- Keep gas tank full at all times.
Winter Weather Checklist
Be prepared for wet or icy roads by keeping the following items in your vehicle:
- Bag of salt or sand
- Small snow shovel
- Snow brush and ice scraper
- Flashlight
- Warning flares or triangles
- Jumper Cables
- Tarp
- Hats, gloves or mittens
- Blanket
- Coat
- Boots
- Extra Socks
- Hand Warmers
- Bottles of Water
- Food/Snacks
- First Aid Kit
- Extra Cash
Winter Car Trip Extras 4 Kids
Additional items that come in handy when traveling in the car with kids:
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- Games & Activities (Books, Electronics, Coloring Books, Sketch Pads, Markers, Maps, etc.)
- Pillows
- Small Trash Bag
- Wipes
- Antibacterial Gel
- Tissues
- Paper Towels
- Toilet Paper
- Motion Sickness Medicine
Share your tips for safe winter driving with kids in the Comments section below!
