COLLEGE STATION — The holiday season can be a treacherous time on Texas roadways, but there are precautions drivers can take to protect themselves.
Janie Harris, passenger safety specialist with the Texas Agricultural Extension Service, said the most important priority for holiday travel is to plan the trip carefully.
“Find out what the weather conditions are going to be,” Harris said. “Know what you are going to be facing as you head down the highway.”
She added it is important to take into account where you will be traveling.
“If you are traveling to areas where you think there might be a possibility of ice or snow, make sure your tires are equipped to deal with those conditions,” Harris said.
Drivers must also arm themselves with the tools necessary to deal with many situations if they should happen to have car trouble.
“Take extra blankets or coats with you so that if you happen to be stranded you have some extra protection against the cold temperatures,” Harris said.
Harris added that another key tool in safe travel is to equip yourself with a cellular phone.
“I read an article about a lady who was lost in a blinding snowstorm somewhere in Nebraska and she stayed on her cellular phone with the authorities until they could find her,” she said.
Col. Dudley Thomas, director of the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), agrees that it is important to be prepared in the event of an emergency.
“Keep blankets, a first-aid kit, flares, jumper cables, tire chains, a flashlight, ice scraper and gloves in your car,” he said. “Take a food supply of candy bars or dried fruit in case you become stranded.”
When dealing with the mechanics of winter travel, it is important to remember to keep your car in tip-top shape.
“Check your car battery before cold weather sets in,” Thomas said. “Battery power dips in colder weather.”
Also, keeping the gasoline level as high as possible will prevent water from condensing in the gasoline tank.
“It also is a good idea to check the automobiles motor oil, transmission fluid, ignition system, lights, heater and wipers before leaving,” Thomas said.
Once on the road, Thomas urges drivers to remember that winter travel conditions may change very quickly.
“Remember that ice forms first on bridges, overpasses and shady areas,” he said. “If you hit a patch of ice, stay off your brakes and decelerate slowly, holding the car steady as you go over the ice.”
He added that speed is a major problem when driving on ice and it is important to remain a safe distance behind the car in front of you.
“If your car goes into a skid, take your foot off the gas pedal but dont hit the brake,” he said. “Steer gently in the direction you want the front of the car to go.”
Thomas said the car will regain traction and control as it begins to straighten out.
He said stranded motorists should call the DPS helpline at (800) 525-5555 for assistance from a DPS trooper.
Although it is impossible to predict winter weather conditions, drivers can take the necessary precautions to ensure their safety as well as the safety of their passengers.
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