During winter, it is important for drivers to stay alert. They need to be in control of their vehicles and their thoughts because winter driving can be potentially risky. Accidents due to poor vision, snowy, icy roads, or exposure to the extremely cold weather can cause injuries or deaths. If you drive during winter for either personal or professional reasons, there are some things that you can do to stay safe.
With that being said, we are going to take a look at some winter driving safety tips and advice from the experts at Nationwide Vehicle Rentals:
Bring Essentials- winter driving can be like a survival situation, especially during a long trip. Make sure that you bring essential supplies to ensure the safety and comfort of everyone, especially if you become stranded. Consider bringing along the following items:
- A First Aid Kit
- Emergency Rations
- Extra Water
- Waterproof Thick Blanket
- Winter Jackets
- Dry Socks
- Tow Chain
- Small Shovel
- Flashlight And Batteries
- Warning Lights
- Road Flares
You should keep these items in a duffel bag in your car during winter, so you will remain safe.
Take Care Of Yourself- make sure that you get enough rest before driving, because you need to be more alert when driving during winter. Thick fog and heavy snow can impair your vision. Avoid fatigue and make sure to take repeated breaks every three hours that you drive. You should find a safe place to warm yourself up and stretch. With light exercise, you can ensure proper blood circulation and remain warm. If it’s exceptionally cold, look out for symptoms of hypothermia, like drowsiness, frequent verbal stumbling, memory lapses, and constant shivering. Despite regular rests, it is recommended to rotate drivers to reduce safety risks.
Check Your Car- bring your car to the nearest auto repair shop for preliminary maintenance and check-ups before winter. The mechanic should check the following items:
- The Radiator
- Anti-Freeze Fluids
- Hoses
- Belts
- Battery
- Lubricants
- Tires
- Defroster
- Heaters
- Brakes
- Wiper
- Lights
It’s also a good time to install reliable winter tyres on your car. If you want to reuse your winter tyres from last year, have them inspected by a professional first. Before driving, scrape the windscreen, roof, mirrors, lights, and windows of any snow and ice.
Contact Nationwide Vehicle Rentals
To learn more winter driving safety tips/advice, contact Nationwide Vehicle Rentals today and select from a wide range of late model cars, vans and more!
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