During the cold months of winter, driving conditions can change quickly depending on the weather. To help citizens prepare for another winter driving season, Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine offers the following safety tips:
Be prepared:
- Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone now your travel route.
- Keep your gas tank at least half full.
- Carry a winter driving kit which should include: blankets, flashlight, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, non-perishable high calorie food, a first aid kit and jumper cables.
Drive according to road conditions:
- Allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Clear all windows of ice and snow and remove snow from hood, roof and lights.
- Beware of bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
- Slow down to increase traction.
- Avoid abrupt stops and starts. Slow down gradually and keep wheels turning to avoid loosing traction.
- Use low beam headlights to decrease glare from ice.
Should you become stranded:
- Don’t leave your. It’s the best protection you have.
- Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna.
- Roll down your window a small amount.
- Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Don’t panic. An idling car uses only one gallon of gas per hour.
For Indiana road conditions call 1-800-261-7623. For emergency situations, call 9-1-1 for the Kosciusko County Dispatch Center.
