by Tom Funk

Created on: December 07, 2009

Items every winter driver should have with them.

Driving during the winter months can prove to be hazardous if you live in a cold climate. The weather is sometime unpredictable, the roadways can be treacherous and you must always be aware of other drivers, more so than in warmer months. There are a few key items every driver should be certain are in their vehicle during this time of year, to keep themselves and their passengers safe.

First is probably the most obvious; warm clothes. A blanket, hats, gloves and possibly even boots are ideal items to keep in your vehicle. You never know when you might slip off the road, get a flat tire or even get into an accident. Having these items with you will help keep you warm until help arrives, especially if your car is damaged and can not run. In the event of a flat tire, having gloves and a hat will keep you warm as you change the flat, as not everyone dons a hat or gloves when going places in their car. Thinking ahead and having these items on hand could prove to be worthwhile should the unthinkable happen and you are stranded on a cold winter road.

Another thing to have on hand, as most people already do, is a cell phone. Whenever you go anywhere, just be certain to have it with you. It is far easier in this day and age to be able to call for help from a cell phone than to try and flag down help on the roadways. People are not always as kind as they could be, and if you forgot your phone at home, you could be looking at a long, cold walk to a store or house in hopes of attaining help.

A flashlight or even road flares is also a must for winter driving. With the days shorter and night falling earlier, it is essential to be able to see should you get a flat or get into an accident. Road flares would aid in you obtaining help should your car slide off the road, and a flashlight is always a good thing to have in the car. These items will also make other drivers on the road aware of you should you have to walk anywhere.

Kitty litter is something not many of us would think to have on hand, but it can be quite useful should you get stuck on ice or snow. Pour it on the ground around your tire and you should get the extra traction you need to get yourself moving once more. It is a fairly inexpensive thing and could save you the cost of a tow truck.

The final and perhaps most important thing any driver should have with them when driving in the winter is common sense. The roads in winter time can be treacherous, with black ice, snow drifts and other drivers that are not so cautious. Give yourself more time when you are going to work or appointments. Count on driving slower and give the person in front of you plenty of room. Drive according to the situation, not the speed limit. Be patient with other drivers, as not everyone is comfortable in poor weather situations. If the weather is really bad, stay home if you don't need to be anywhere. Let the plows do their work and go out once the weather improves. But should you feel the need to travel in poor weather, remember the few items above, they could save your life, save you some money and possibly save you from getting stranded, sick or stuck.

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