by Laura Beth Caldwell

Created on: January 06, 2009

Traveling during the winter months can prove to be not only inconvenient, but downright deadly for the ill-prepared motorist. There are certain precautions that should be taken when setting out on a winter journey. These precautions, coupled with sound decision making may actually save your life. The key to surviving the journey is being accountable along the way.

1. Be aware of impending changes in the weather forecast. If you are setting out on a long journey, create a weather map pinpointing the anticipated forecast at intervals along the way. If inclement weather is moving in your direction you may wish to reconsider or reschedule your trip.

2. Make your plans known to others. This includes not only your departure time but also the route you plan on taking. As with the weather forecast, you will want to research your route to be sure that there are no detours which will inadvertantly alter your plans. If your vechicle is equipped with a GPS device such as Onstar, you may wish to activate it for your trip. However, don't rely strictly on these locator devices. You want to be prepared to sustain yourself and your family/friends for several days in the event you become stranded.

3. Make sure your vehicle is up to the trip, mechanically speaking. Do not make the mistake of setting off on a possibly treacherous journey with less-than adequate tires. Make sure they are rated according to the climate and conditions in which you will be traveling and take along a set of tire chains. If you get into blizzard conditions the best set of snow tires may still leave you stranded. You will also want to make sure your vehicle's engine and heating/defrosting systems are functioning properly.

4. Outfit your vehicle for survival. In the event you are stranded your vehicle will quickly transform from a mode of transportation to a mode of shelter. The first element that humans, or any animal for that matter, looks for is shelter. You must prepare yourself to spend several hours, if not days, in your vehicle. In addition to the typical items such as jumper cables and road flares, winter motorists should pack a wool blanket or two, a couple jugs of water, some food rations- protein bars, nuts, chocolate bars, etc. are easy to store and will provide adequate nourishment for several days. In addition to bottled water, pack something to purify water in the event you are stranded for several days. This can be as simple as a few water purifying tablets that when added to a gallon of untreated

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