HOW TO DRIVE IN A BLIZZARD Keep windows clear. Use the heater, wipers, and defroster to keep windows clear and free of condensation. Do not let the car get too warm, however-the heat may put you to sleep. At night, use low-beam headlights. High-beams will reflect off the snow, making it more difficult to see. Drive in high gear. Do not downshift. Use as high a gear as possible for maximum traction and to avoid skids on snowy and icy roads. Drive slowly. Do not drive at maximum speed. Drive at a slow, constant speed. Avoid sudden movements. Do not brake, change gears, or accelerate around turns. Slow down and move into a lower gear approaching the turn, then simply steer around the bend. Watch for ice. Slow down before you reach icy or snowy patches of roadway. Skids are much more likely to occur on ice than on snow. If You Skid Undo your last action. Take your foot off the brake, or ease off the accelerator, depending upon whether you attempted to slow down or to speed up. Steer into the skid. To straighten the wheels, turn the steering wheel in the direction the car is moving. Do not jerk the wheel: steer smoothly to avoid further skidding. You may have to turn the wheel in one direction, then the other, to regain control and move straight. Pump the brake pedal to slow down. If the brakes are anti-lock, simply depress the brake pedal, and your car will automatically pump the brakes. Check for traffic. If you have come to a stop, or if you have spun out of your lane or slowed more than other traffic, you need to be especially careful not to block other vehicles. If You Get Stuck in the Snow Turn your wheels from side to side a few times to push snow out of the way. Place a traction aid under the drive wheels. Possible objects include a floormat, bag of kitty litter, wood planks, cardboard, a blanket, or clothing. Push the car. If the car is still stuck, instruct passengers to push the car forward. Try rocking the car back and forth, with a well-timed push at the forward point. If You Become Stranded Stay with or in the car. You can survive for several days in your car, especially if you have food and water and enough fuel to periodically run the engine and heater. Clear the vents. The vents for the heater are usually below the windshield wipers on the hood. The exhaust pipe is located under the rear bumper. A clear exhaust pipe allows you to run the engine without danger of carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window occasionally. You will benefit from the fresh air, and will ensure that the windows do not become frozen shut. If the car becomes completely buried, poke a breathing hole in the snow above the car. Use an ice scraper or tire iron. Light a candle inside the car. If you do not smell any gas fumes, light a candle to provide extra warmth. The candle will also serve as a warning sign of carbon monoxide fumes; if the candle begins to flicker and die, ventilate the car quickly. Move passengers above the drive wheels. Depending upon whether you have front-wheel or rear-wheel drive, move your passengers and heavy luggage to the front or rear of the passenger compartment. Increased weight over the drive wheels will help to gain traction. Rock the car back and forth. In a low gear, apply light pressure on the gas pedal to move as far forward as you can go without spinning, then release the pedal (or put in the clutch) so you roll back. Gradually, the car will move forward a few more inches with each back-and-forth rock and may gain enough momentum to roll out of its rut and gain traction. While driver rocks the car back and forth, time your push to increase forward momentum. Put on extra clothing. To conserve fuel, do not run the engine and heater at full blast. If you do not have enough extra clothing, use newspapers, seat covers, and maps. Huddle with passengers for warmth. Watch for help. If you have passengers, take turns sleeping so that someone is always alert for possible rescuers. Use a portable radio for news updates; to conserve fuel or your car battery, do not use the car radio. Ration food and drink. Open and use any useful holiday presents you may be carrying, whether clothing, equipment, food, or beverages. Avoid alcohol, which feels warming but actually lowers your body temperature. Be Aware Prepare for a drive in potentially snowy conditions by packing smart. Take extra clothing (including gloves and a water-resistant jacket), blankets and pillows, boots, food and drink, a battery-operated radio and flashlight, matches and candles, a mobile phone, and several wooden planks (or a bag of kitty litter) for traction. Also take a shovel, if possible.
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