Old Man Winter Woes

Winter weather can throw a mighty blow to many Canadian motorists. It comes in many different shapes and intensities such as blizzards, heavy snow and freezing rain which are usually accompanied by weather warnings and/or advisories. It is crucial to check the weather and travel conditions before leaving on a road trip and to be prepared for emergencies. Some conditions may warrant postponing your travel plans. If you choose to travel, your vehicle should have had a complete fall check-up with four winter tires installed. Before departure, be sure to advise someone of your destination and travel route with an estimated time of arrival.

Know that winter conditions will alter your driving. Travel with a full tank of fuel, keep lights and windshields free of snow, avoid passing other vehicles (especially snowplow trucks), drive at a slower speed, double the distance between yourself and the car in front, keep to main roads and listen to the radio for traffic reports. Finally, know when to head back (or stop at a hotel) if conditions are too dangerous.

Before heading out you should have two winter car emergency kits in your vehicle: one for getting the car back on the road and the other to survive being stranded in the car.

KIT I: Getting the Car Back on the Road

You’ve taken the curve too quickly and your vehicle has slid into the snow covered road side or embankment. The first thing to do, is to assess if it appears you can drive out. If there is just a little snow, turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way and with a light touch of gas, ease your car out. If the snow is up to the underside of the car, you may need to shovel the snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Pouring sand or another gritty substance (use your car mats in a pinch) under the wheel will help get traction. Do not spin your wheels as you will only dig yourself in deeper. You should try rocking the vehicle (Check your owner’s manual first to see if it is not recommended for your transmission system.) Shift from forward to reverse, giving a little gas each time until your vehicle advances.

Items that you will be happy to have brought along.

a shovel
some gritty substance: sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt and/or traction devices to wedge under the drive wheels
a tow chain (in case someone stops to help pull you out)
some road flares or reflective triangles

Other helpful items:

extra windshield washer fluid and fuel line antifreeze
ice scraper and brush
booster cables (read owner’s manual first)
road maps, a compass and a whistle (to alert rescue workers)

KIT II: Emergency Survival Inside the Car

Of course, most main highways are not desolate and isolated and help will eventually find you; however, for a little effort and time on your part now, you can find yourself more comfortable and very grateful later on. After all, help may take some time due to the difficult weather conditions and the escalated demand on emergency services.

Do not leave the car unless you can visibly see help nearby. Walking in winter storms can quickly leave you disorientated and you could end up in more jeopardy outside of the car.

Hang a HELP sign up and a bright piece of cloth on your car antenna. You can get creative to attract help, such as using an open umbrella with reflective tape added on top.

To avoid frostbite or hypothermia, run the car for approximately 10 minutes or so every hour, depending on the amount of gas you have and the severity of the temperature. The car exhaust tailpipe and vents should be clear of snow and ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Likewise if you burn a candle, keep your window opened a crack to have proper ventilation. Huddle together and use blankets (even newspaper and car mats) to insulate yourselves and keep warm. It can help to do minor exercises to get your circulation going.

Here is a list of items that you will be glad you packed before venturing off.

a HELP sign for the window and a red bandana scarf for the car antenna
a well-charged cellular phone
warm blankets and extra clothing (woolen mitts and hats: you lose up to 60 percent of your body heat through your head)
working flashlight with extra batteries
matches and a survival candle (to warm hands and have light)
fresh water bottles
tin cup to melt snow to drink, if necessary (do not eat snow as it will diminish your body heat)
hard candy to keep mouth moist
emergency high-energy food such as granola bars and chocolate bars/ avoid alcohol and caffeine
roll of toilet paper
first aid kit
activity ideas to keep children occupied and your sanity in check. Remember to keep watch for traffic and rescue searches. Stay awake.

If you find that you travel often on desolate roads in the wintertime, it would be in your best interest to invest in either a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a road emergency two-way Citizens’ band radio.

Having your car stuck in freezing weather can be scary. Having your car stuck in freezing weather in an isolated area, could be fatal. Know the hazards, heed the warnings, drive safely and be prepared to survive if stranded.

Now, test your driving skills with our Kwiz Korner: Skidding and Smart Moves.

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		Old Man Winter Woes Winter weather can throw a mighty blow to many Canadian motorists. It comes in many different shapes and intensities such as blizzards, heavy snow and freezing rain which are usually accompanied by weather warnings and/or advisories. It is crucial to check the weather and travel conditions before leaving on a road trip and to be prepared for emergencies. Some conditions may warrant postponing your travel plans. If you choose to travel, your vehicle should have had a complete fall check-up with four winter tires installed. Before departure, be sure to advise someone of your destination and travel route with an estimated time of arrival. Know that winter conditions will alter your driving. Travel with a full tank of fuel, keep lights and windshields free of snow, avoid passing other vehicles (especially snowplow trucks), drive at a slower speed, double the distance between yourself and the car in front, keep to main roads and listen to the radio for traffic reports. Finally, know when to head back (or stop at a hotel) if conditions are too dangerous. Before heading out you should have two winter car emergency kits in your vehicle: one for getting the car back on the road and the other to survive being stranded in the car. KIT I: Getting the Car Back on the Road You’ve taken the curve too quickly and your vehicle has slid into the snow covered road side or embankment. The first thing to do, is to assess if it appears you can drive out. If there is just a little snow, turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way and with a light touch of gas, ease your car out. If the snow is up to the underside of the car, you may need to shovel the snow away from the wheels and the underside of the car. Pouring sand or another gritty substance (use your car mats in a pinch) under the wheel will help get traction. Do not spin your wheels as you will only dig yourself in deeper. You should try rocking the vehicle (Check your owner’s manual first to see if it is not recommended for your transmission system.) Shift from forward to reverse, giving a little gas each time until your vehicle advances. Items that you will be happy to have brought along. a shovel some gritty substance: sand, kitty litter, gravel or salt and/or traction devices to wedge under the drive wheels a tow chain (in case someone stops to help pull you out) some road flares or reflective triangles Other helpful items: extra windshield washer fluid and fuel line antifreeze ice scraper and brush booster cables (read owner’s manual first) road maps, a compass and a whistle (to alert rescue workers) KIT II: Emergency Survival Inside the Car Of course, most main highways are not desolate and isolated and help will eventually find you; however, for a little effort and time on your part now, you can find yourself more comfortable and very grateful later on. After all, help may take some time due to the difficult weather conditions and the escalated demand on emergency services. Do not leave the car unless you can visibly see help nearby. Walking in winter storms can quickly leave you disorientated and you could end up in more jeopardy outside of the car. Hang a HELP sign up and a bright piece of cloth on your car antenna. You can get creative to attract help, such as using an open umbrella with reflective tape added on top. To avoid frostbite or hypothermia, run the car for approximately 10 minutes or so every hour, depending on the amount of gas you have and the severity of the temperature. The car exhaust tailpipe and vents should be clear of snow and ice to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Likewise if you burn a candle, keep your window opened a crack to have proper ventilation. Huddle together and use blankets (even newspaper and car mats) to insulate yourselves and keep warm. It can help to do minor exercises to get your circulation going. Here is a list of items that you will be glad you packed before venturing off. a HELP sign for the window and a red bandana scarf for the car antenna a well-charged cellular phone warm blankets and extra clothing (woolen mitts and hats: you lose up to 60 percent of your body heat through your head) working flashlight with extra batteries matches and a survival candle (to warm hands and have light) fresh water bottles tin cup to melt snow to drink, if necessary (do not eat snow as it will diminish your body heat) hard candy to keep mouth moist emergency high-energy food such as granola bars and chocolate bars/ avoid alcohol and caffeine roll of toilet paper first aid kit activity ideas to keep children occupied and your sanity in check. Remember to keep watch for traffic and rescue searches. Stay awake. If you find that you travel often on desolate roads in the wintertime, it would be in your best interest to invest in either a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) a Global Positioning System (GPS) or a road emergency two-way Citizens’ band radio. Having your car stuck in freezing weather can be scary. Having your car stuck in freezing weather in an isolated area, could be fatal. Know the hazards, heed the warnings, drive safely and be prepared to survive if stranded. Now, test your driving skills with our Kwiz Korner: Skidding and Smart Moves. Return to top of page			Safety Canada (January 2008)