Winter is raging right down the center of the United States. That doesn’t mean traveling will stop. It just means it will be more dangerous for a number of reasons. Those who aren’t used to this kind of cold snap might need some winter storm traveling tips. Whether it’s public transportation or private car, there are a few things that every traveler should do to stay safe in the event of a problem.
Dry Good Foods
If you’re traveling in cold, icy weather, always have some dry good foods stored in your bag. Keep it near your person. Planes get stuck on tarmacs for hours. Buses stall, and so do cars. When that happens, you can be stuck for a very long time. Therefore, a jar of peanut butter or some cheese crackers can be a good food to sustain you. A bottle of water will be necessary, too. Most people don’t think about their personal energy stores in this situation. Safety is what’s at the top of most people’s minds. It should be, but there’s more to protecting yourself than being careful. Be prepared.
Safety Tips
To avoid hypothermia, always wear layers and warm clothing during cold weather travel. Make sure to include gloves, warm stocking caps and boots. If your car gets stuck in a snow drift or traffic jam, you may have to turn the engine off. Warm clothes will help sustain you. A blanket can help, too. Again, this is a safety tip that has less to do with a sudden accident, and more to do with survival.
Driving Tips
People in the Southern United States are not very experienced with driving in ice and snow, so here are a few tips. If you can avoid travel, then stay off the roads. If you must travel, drive slowly, and don’t hit your brakes if you hit ice. Slow down on bridges. When at a stopped position, accelerate slowly to keep from spinning and weaving. Don’t attempt to drive up an icy hill. You’ll just slide backwards. If you do slide off the road, call 911 immediately.
And lastly along with the above tips, always keep a supply of money on hand in case you do have an emergency. You might need to get your car towed. Stay in a hotel if the roads are closed. Keep prepaid credit cards on hand or some extra cash just in case emergency funds are needed.