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Bridgeport Emergency Services Director Shares Wintertime Travel Tips

By Julie Perine on January 06, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com

Winter has arrived with a vengeance and taking special precautions can make life not only easier, but safer.
 
It’s always important to carefully plan travel, but during inclement winter weather, that planning is even more vital, said Director of Bridgeport Emergency Services Laura Pysz.
 
Before loading your vehicle with your luggage – or yourself – it’s important to do complete a laundry list of housekeeping items.
 
“Check your wipers, tires, lights and fluid levels,” Pysz said. “Lubricate the doors and trunk locks to prevent them from freezing. And always start with a full tank of gas.”
 
Pysz also advises carrying a winter storm survival kit in your vehicle. (Click HERE for top-rated road emergency kits.)
 
Once the car is equipped, check the latest weather conditions along the travel route.
 
“Listen to weather forecasts on TV, local radio stations or NOAA Weather Radio,” Pysz said. “Call TOLL-FREE at 1-877-WVA-ROAD or 1-877-982-7623 or go to the WV Department of Transportation Web site www.wv511.org to get current road conditions for West Virginia.”
 
Travel during daylight hours on main, heavily-traveled roads and never travel alone. Leave a copy of your itinerary to a friend, relative or coworker.
 
“Include information on where you are going, the routes you will travel and when you expect to arrive,” Pysz said. “When you reach your destination, make a call to report that you have arrived.”
 
When you’re ready to roll out of the driveway, buckle your seatbelt and make sure your passengers have done the same. Also, keep windows clear of snow and ice and don’t start driving until the windshield is defrosted. Once on the road, be very mindful of road conditions, driving slower and increasing following distance. Speed should be adjusted for the conditions and match the flow of traffic.
 
“Roadway conditions may vary depending on the sun, shade or roadway surface,” Pysz said. “Watch for slick spots especially under bridges, on overpasses and in shaded spots.”
 
If the pavement is snow- or ice-covered, start slowly and brake gently and stay focused to avoid a possible hang-up or accident. 
 
“Begin braking early when you come to an intersection,” Pysz said. “If you start to slide, ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you feel you have regained traction, then straighten your vehicle.”
 
If your vehicle does become stuck in the snow, contact a towing company, but be prepared to wait in the cold weather for up to several hours.  Pysz recommends using tow ropes with loops on the ends as opposed to chains or hooks as the latter can be dangerous - slipping off and recoiling quickly.
 
Also, be mindful of snowplows when on the road.
 
“When a snowplow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for the truck to pass,” Pysz said. “When the center line is being cleared and salted, the plow tip may be on or over the line.”
 
When approaching a snowplow from behind, pass with care and only when you can see the road ahead of the truck. 
 
“You should not try to pass in blowing snow; there may be a vehicle in that cloud of snow,” she said.  “Allow more distance between you and the plow, which may be spreading salt.”
 
While traveling, refuel often, keeping the tank near full to prevent ice in the tank and fuel lines, which could halt the trip quickly. The frequent stops can also help relieve tense muscles.
 
If you should become stranded, pull as far off the road as possible, setting hazard lights to “flashing,” then hang or tie a colored cloth – preferably red – to your antenna, window or door.
 
If snow is not falling, raise the hood to indicate trouble and use your cell phone to call for help. Staying inside the vehicle is not only safer, but rescuers are more likely to locate you.
 
“Do not set out on foot unless you can see a building close by where you know you can take shelter,” Pysz said.
 
Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked by snow, and then run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour to keep warm.  Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.  When the engine is running, open a window slightly for ventilation. Periodically clear away snow from the exhaust pipe.
 
Though it might not sound appealing, it’s important to keep the body moving.
 
“Exercise to keep blood circulating and to maintain body heat by vigorously moving arms, legs, fingers and toes,” Pysz said. “In extreme cold or if you don't have a winter storm survival kit, use road maps, seat covers and floor mats for insulation.”
 
While stranded with a passenger, take turns sleeping. One person should be awake at all times to look out for rescue crews.
 
“Also, be careful not to use up battery power.  Balance electrical energy needs – the use of lights, heat and radio – with supply,” Pysz said.
 
Though we most often gauge the cold in terms of a thermometer reading, it’s vital to keep the wind chill factor in mind also. Both temperature and wind speed are involved in the wind chill factor.
 
 “The wind chill is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the combined effects of the wind and cold,” Pysz said. “As the wind increases, heat is carried away from the body at an accelerated rate, driving down the body temperature.  The wind chill shows how cold the wind makes exposed flesh feel and is a good way to determine the potential for frostbite or hypothermia.”
 



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