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Snow. Beautiful, cold and seductive, it offers both winter recreation and driving headaches—or worse. Preparing for it should mean more than just stocking up food and drink if stopped for avalanche control at Snoqualmie Pass. An over-reliance on your vehicle and failure to prepare for the environment in which you’re driving, can lead to tragedy. In November 2006, James Kim, after visiting relatives in Seattle, died trying to seek help after he and his family became snowbound in the Oregon wilderness.

Pre-trip—Leave an itinerary with family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can notify authorities. Ensure your car is in good condition, especially the battery, alternator, and tires. Fully charge all batteries for electronic communication devices. And, fire up the backpacking stove.

During the trip—Before hitting the road, especially back roads, fill the gas tank—even if it is not near empty. If you have a change of plans along the way, let people know.
If snow begins to accumulate, do not drive into deeper snow or worsening conditions. Turn back. If a mountain road becomes too narrow, back down until you can turn around. Always be aware that even 4-wheel-drive vehicles can get stuck.

If you are forced off the road due to winter weather conditions, the following tips can help you to survive:

• Stay in your car and out of the way of other cars that may be sliding on slick roads.
• Stay warm and dry to avoid hypothermia. Keep blankets and extra warm clothes with you (see travel safety kit below). Huddle with other passengers to maintain body heat.
• Call for help on your cell phone, if you get stuck. Never talk on the phone while you’re driving in bad weather.
• Run your engine and heater for a few minutes every hour, if you have enough gas. (Check to make sure the exhaust pipe isn’t blocked first.)
• Keep a window cracked for fresh air, in case doors and windows freeze.
• Set flares outside your car and tie bright-colored rags to your antenna so rescuers can spot you.

What’s in Your Winter Travel Safety Kit?

What should you pack in your car’s winter emergency kit? We suggest that you include these items:

• Charged cell phone (and number of your AAA club road service hotline)
• Blankets or sleeping bags made of polyester (fleece) or down
• Extra warm clothes (also made of polyester or wool, avoid cotton)
• Flares, safety triangles, and bright rags to tie to car to make it visible
• Shovel
• Cat litter, sand or carpet strips for traction
• Windshield scraper
• A good stock of food such as canned goods, dehydrated meat, energy bars, instant oatmeal, instant tea or coffee, snacks, even freeze-dried food and at least two gallons of water
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Flares, colored rags or a yellow tarp
• Map and compass or GPS device
• Tow rope and tire chains (if permitted in your area)
• First-aid kit
• Wooden matches in a waterproof container

Safe Driving in Winter Weather

It’s easy to forget good winter driving safety practices during good weather, but when snow and ice hit, every driver needs expert skills. Here are a few things you should remember:

• Keep both hands on the wheel at all times. You’ll stay more focused on driving and keep better control of your vehicle.
• If you have anti-lock brakes and start to slide, keep a constant steady pressure on them to stop. If you have traditional brakes, pump the brakes to regain traction.
• When you start to skid, steer into the direction your car is moving to regain control. Steering in the opposite direction will only make you fishtail or spin.
• Never pass plows and sand spreaders. Avoid traveling when road crews are out.
• Go slowly and leave lots of room in front of you. You never know what will happen on slick roads, so be ready for anything and anticipate fast stops and vehicles around you making sudden, uncontrolled moves.

Learn more winter driving tips, and find out how you can support the AAA Foundation’s work on traffic safety through charitable giving at www.aaafoundation.org.