Winter Driving Tips and Emergency Car Supplies

With Winter Storm Juno barreling down on the Hudson Valley, now seems to be a pretty good time for a refresher course on winter driving and emergency supplies to keep in your vehicle. The New York Governor's office issued a lengthy press release this afternoon which included the following tips.

Snowplows travel at speeds up to 35 miles per hour, which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit, to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Motorists and pedestrians should also keep in mind that snowplow drivers have limited lines of sight, and the size and weight of snowplows can make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly.

· Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered.
· Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
· Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations.
· Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces.
· Be wary of black ice, which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement temperatures are below freezing.
· Have a cell phone handy, if possible, but do not text while driving; distracted driving is illegal and becomes even more dangerous during storm events.
· Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound.
· Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes.
· Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival and keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound.

Here's a list of emergency items to keep in your car, not just for this storm but always.

• · Flashlight with extra batteries
  · Charged cell phone and automobile charger
  · Basic first-aid kit
  · Blankets or sleeping bags
  · Extra clothes, including rain gear, boots, mittens, and socks
  · Windshield scraper and brush
  · Fire extinguisher
  · Shovel
  · Sand, road salt and/or cat litter for traction
  · Tire chains or traction mats
  · Basic tool kit, including pliers, wrench, and screwdriver
  · Tow rope
  · Battery jumper cables
  · Road flares/reflectors
  · Brightly colored cloth (to use as a flag)
  · Road maps

No matter how experienced you may be at winter driving, please be safe. Like I always say, if you don't have to go anywhere, please don't. Stay safe.