How to Stay Safe on the Road this Winter - Cook Portable Warehouses

We have talked a lot on the Cook blog about how to stay safe during dangerous winter weather.

Our blog has spotlighted things you should stockpile in your Cook shed during wintertime and how to Prepare your Shed during winter weather. Remember A Cook Portable Warehouse will be standing strong and protecting your stuff all winter long!

We have also talked about how to prepare for wintertime road trips. But, what about when an unexpected storm hits and you have to drive to work, back home or when an emergency happens.

Here are some important things to keep in mind so you and your family can travel safely during those treacherous winter storms.

Before leaving

Remember to fill your windshield wiper fluid reservoir. Check the level of the liquid and refill or top it off if necessary.

In colder conditions, the fluid is depleted much faster, so it’s also smart to keep an extra bottle in the car. Not having enough fluid to clear off your windshield could result in a dangerous situation, so check before you head out.

It’s also vital to keep your gas tank filled or at least half full. This ensures you won’t run out of gas if an emergency occurs. Keeping your tank half full also prevents the gas line from freezing up, caused from excess moisture in the air.

If you have an electric car, your batteries will lose power quicker in cold temperatures so make sure they are fully charged prior to leaving the house. You should also double check that all 4 tires are inflated to the vehicle’s proper pressure level.

On the road

When on the road, it’s important to take it slower than normal. Accelerate slowly when starting from a complete stop to improve traction. But, if possible, try not to stop completely especially when driving up hill.

Keep extra distance between you and the cars in front of you to account for slow breaking or skidding. When breaking, if you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure. With non-antilock brakes, gently pump the brakes.

In the event of a skid, slowly ease off the gas but don’t brake, until the car is completely under control. Then, carefully steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.

It’s important not to use cruise control in snowy or icy road conditions. In the case of a skid, the car will accelerate and spin its wheels, increasing the chance of the driver losing control.

If your vehicle does skid off the road, use materials like sand or kitty litter under the tires to improve traction. If you are stranded, tie a brightly colored piece of fabric or clothing to the antenna to alert other drivers.

One bonus tip– If you don’t have room to keep your car, motorcycle, boat, ATV, etc. in your garage, protect it inside your Cook shed!

For more home organization tips during winter, click to download the helpful resource from Cook below!