Tips for Traveling Safely This Winter

Here are some basic tips to help you be safer on the road this season:

1. Make sure your vehicle is in good repair and ready for the trip, especially if winter weather conditions could arise.

2. Keep some form of emergency kit in your vehicle. Verify that the spare, jack and lug wrench are all in the vehicle and in proper working order.

3. Get plenty of sleep before you start a trip.

4. Remember that there will always be more things to do than time to do them.

5. Schedule a break at least every two hours or 120 miles.

6. Drink plenty of fluids; this helps keep the breaks on schedule.

7. Once you’re on the road, be alert to the warning signs of fatigue and drowsiness.

8. Especially be aware between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. If you start to feel drowsy, get some fresh air. Keep a window open. Sing to the radio. Call someone on the phone. Stop and take a walk or get some form of exercise.

9. If drowsiness insists, stop and get some sleep.

10. Know your route and pick your stops.  Napping alongside the road can be illegal, not to mention dangerous.