Winter storms are hitting the country, shutting down schools from the Midwest to the East Coast and even in the South. Cities that have never had to deal with snowy roads, like Atlanta, Ga., are buying up snow tires, and drivers are learning to drive on ice for the first time.
At Approved Loan Store, we want to provide our readers with some easy ways to prepare for inclement weather. Read on, follow our tips, and stay safe on the road this winter.
1. Avoid Distractions
Cell phone usage while driving is always dangerous, but during winter weather, it is important to eliminate other distractions that aren’t typically a problem. Some drivers might want to turn off their music and avoid eating or drinking while driving. Anyone who gets behind the wheel needs to be attentive and ready to react in case something goes wrong.
2. Emergency Kit
If something happens and a driver is stranded, an emergency kit can be a life saver. An emergency kit should include everything necessary to survive freezing weather including layered warm clothes (sweatshirts, long johns, sweat pants), a sleeping bag or blankets, jumper cables, first aid supplies, a snow scraper, a flashlight, food (dried fruit, granola bars), and water. It might also be a good idea to include a cell phone charger that plugs into the lighter, in case someone needs to call for emergency services.
3. No Unnecessary Driving
This step is pretty self-explanatory and simple to follow, and yet people continue not to follow it. In the middle of winter, almost everyone gets a touch of cabin fever. It is completely understandable, but it is also important to use some common sense. If the weather is really bad and the trip unnecessary, it is okay to wait until the roads are clear and the weather has improved.
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Image courtesy of Vichaya Kiatying-Angsulee / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
What is the worst part of winter driving? Some people would say slick roads, scraping snow and ice off the windows, or enduring Christmas music on every single radio station. For me, the worst part of winter driving was that after I cleared off my windshield and jumped in my car, the seat was always freezing. Even after turning up the heat, it felt like my car seat was the last part of my car to warm up.