Health Tip: Driving During Winter
Depending on where you are, winter can herald a greater risk of car accident, a car that won't start, and getting stranded in wintry conditions.
The U.S. National Safety Council offers these suggestions for safe winter driving:
- Get your car properly tuned up, and make sure the tires are in good shape before winter starts.
- Carry equipment in your car, including a tire jack, spare tire, jumper cables, chains, salt or cat litter, flashlight and batteries, and a tool kit.
- In your car, store non-perishable foods such as unsalted nuts, dried fruits and hard candies.
- Especially on a long winter trip, pack necessities to keep you warm -- a warm blanket, socks, a hat and gloves.
- Keep a first aid kit in your car at all times.
People who work the third shift, drive great distances each day, and those who don't get enough sleep or take sedating medications are at greatest risk of drowsy driving.
But everyone is at risk of being impaired behind the wheel because they're too tired. The National Safety Council offers these suggestions to prevent drowsy driving:
- Get plenty of sleep before you head out on the road.
- If you start to feel tired, go to a safe area for a quick rest. But don't pull over at the side of the road.
- Try not to drive between the hours of 12 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- For long trips, start driving early in the morning, and plan to switch off driving with a buddy.
- Keep the temperature inside the car cool and comfortable.
- Take a quick break every 100 miles or so to have a snack, get some fresh air or just to stretch your legs.
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