Flagstaff Arizona snow 2011

Sedona AZ (November 4, 2015) – Remember to plan winter travels well by preparing for snow, ice, rainstorms and freezing temperatures. Always notify someone of your route, destination and projected arrival time and be sure they will follow-through if you don’t arrive! Fill your gas tank – never allow the tank to be less than half full is a smart rule of thumb and never go off-road without a full tank. Running out of gas is extremely dangerous during winter conditions, most especially when off-roading or driving in mountainous regions.

Preparing Your Vehicle

Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition by paying special attention to the battery, ignition and exhaust systems, thermostat, defroster, heater and brakes. Take these precautions as well:

Use snow tires, chains or studded tires as recommended, required, or both on snowy, icy roads. Studded tires are permitted on Arizona highways from October 1 until May 1.

Make sure the antifreeze in your radiator is designed for freezing temperatures.

Install new windshield wiper blades and solvent.

Ensure your headlights, taillights, brake lights and turn signals, work well and can be seen if visibility is low.

Schedule a tune up and change your motor oil to a winter grade.

A 2011 Sedona area accident scene involved an overturned snowplow that injured its driver

Electric or Hybrid Vehicles

Your battery must be in optimal condition: If you need to replace it, do so before you head into cold, snowy weather. If your battery doesn’t need to be replaced be sure it has sufficient voltage. Ask a mechanic to inspect the charging system and belts and be sure the battery connection cables are tight.

If the electric vehicle has a thermal heating pack for the batteries, keep the vehicle plugged in when not in use. If it has a preheat function to warm the interior, set it to warm the passenger compartment before you unplug it in the morning. Always make sure your tank has fresh gasoline.

Must-Haves for Every Vehicle

Never drive into unknown, snowy, icy and or cold conditions without a fully charged cell phone, plenty of drinking water, hooded and weather proof winter coats, gloves, extra set of clothing and boots or shoes, thick blankets and or sleeping bags. Consider storing a Rubbermaid-type lidded container in your vehicle that will hold all or some of the following items – and – remember to accommodate each member of your traveling party, add extra childcare necessities such as diapers and formula/food/outer wear and crayons/markers/paper/books/games if traveling with small children, and pet supplies that include an extra leash when a four legged member is traveling with you:

• Gloves, scarves, hats/caps, extra socks, extra shoes/boots
• Necessary prescribed medication(s) and pain relievers for several days or longer
• A first-aid kit
• A heavy duty LED flashlight with extra batteries
• An ice scraper
• A small bag of sand (or kitty litter) for wheel traction
• Solar powered and or battery powered portable radio with extra batteries
• A small folding shovel for snow removal
• A travel tool kit and battery cables
• Safety flares and reflector vest and plastic cones
• Plastic bags or refuse containers for sanitation including moistened wipes
• Healthy nonperishable snacks such as trail mix, beef jerky, dried foods, juice packs, candy bars, pull top canned foods such as soups, meat, dried/canned/irradiated milk, fruits
• A plastic tarp and or box of heavy duty trash bags
• Waterproof matches and or butane lighters
• Case of bottled water
• A printed paper road map or atlas

Harley McGuire Sedona Eye Star Columnist loves the snow and says “Don’t forget to pack extra Four Paws Up pet supplies and treats in your car when traveling this winter!”

Driving on Wet or Slippery Roadways

Drive for conditions: slower speed, slower acceleration.

Use your headlights.

Do not use cruise control.

Brake slowly. If you skid, don’t panic and slam on the brakes or jerk the steering wheel. Stay calm, ease off the accelerator, brake very lightly, and steer straight or slightly into the direction of the skid.

Four-wheel and all-wheel drive vehicles do not stop or steer better on ice.

Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance.

Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps and bridges. Be alert: ice forms on bridges first and is hard to see.

Crashes or Other Situations Requiring Emergency Assistance

• Dial 911.
• If possible, move the vehicle out the travel lanes into a safe area.
• Attend to all medical needs in a safe place if possible; also, find a safe place to call for roadside assistance.
• If your vehicle becomes inoperable, raise the front hood and activate its flashing hazard lights to signal to other drivers and emergency responders that it is disabled.

Stalled or Stopped Vehicles

If possible, do not stop in or nearby travel lanes. Stop in a safe area where the vehicle can be serviced or removed. Do not stay in or by a disabled vehicle. Get out of the way!

If you must remain in your vehicle, keep the interior dome light turned on and put something brightly colored on your windows or antenna.

Do not keep your vehicle running with its windows rolled up because carbon monoxide poisoning may cause death! Always clear snow from the exhaust pipe and run the vehicle only to stay warm, never continuously, and always keep a window cracked for fresh air circulation. Remember to bundle up in the extra clothing and blankets you wisely brought along to stay warm!

Respect the Plow

Never pass a snowplow! Slow down and be patient.

Stay at least four car lengths behind snowplows and equipment. Plowed snow can create a cloud that reduces visibility, and spreaders on trucks throw salt or sand that can damage your vehicle.

Watch for snowplows operating in multiple travel lanes or in tandem.

If approaching a snowplow, slow down and give the plow extra room.

Arrive alive!

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