Safety and Health Topic – Winter Driving

Safety and Health Talks: Winter Driving 4

Suppose the worst happens?
You’ve been driving carefully. You’ve been leaving greater distances between you and the car ahead of you. You’ve got a great winter driving kit in your vehicle. But, unfortunately, going around a curve, you hit an icy patch and you’re off the road, down the bank, and there’s no cell phone reception.

What should you do if you get stuck or stranded?
• Don’t panic!
• Avoid over-exertion and over-exposure to the cold. Cold weather can put extra stress on the heart and contribute to the hazards of over-exertion. Sweaty clothes next to the skin are not good insulators against the cold.
• Stay in the car if you cannot shovel your car out of the snow.
• Stay in the car in blizzard conditions – Do not leave the car for assistance unless help is visible within about 100 yards.
• Turn on flashing lights or set up flares. A brightly coloured cloth on the radio antenna may make your vehicle more visible in daylight.
• Run the car engine occasionally (about 10 minutes every hour) to provide heat (and to conserve fuel). Make sure the tail pipe is free of snow and keep the window opened slightly (on the side shielded from the wind) to prevent the build up of carbon monoxide when the engine is running.
• Bundle up in a blanket. If there is more than one person in the car, share – two people sharing blankets will be warmer than either person alone in a blanket.
• Wear a hat and scarf – the head and neck are major sources of heat loss from the body.
• Monitor for any signs of frostbite and hypothermia.
• Do not fall asleep. If there is more than one person in the car, take turns sleeping.
• Do not stay in one position too long. Do some exercises to help the circulation – move arms and legs, clap your hands, etc.
• Watch for traffic or rescuers.

Thanks for the share RF!