On the Go in Ice & Snow

I’d forgotten how treacherous snowy, icy roads can be until I faced my first whiteout of the season just before Christmas. Then it all came back to me and two thoughts popped into my head: “This is dumb” and “I should have stayed home.”

If this week’s snowy and cold weather finds you with winter-weather amnesia, it’s not a bad idea to go over a few safety tips for driving this time of year. I’m not recommending my dad’s winter emergency road kit: a half-filled jug of water tied to a long rope. The way he sees it, the weighted jug will come in handy if he needs to rescue someone who’s fallen through an icy pond. It’s light enough to throw; water gives it heft. He’s 90 and an Eagle Scout, so his reasoning makes sense.

Dad’s jug on a rope didn’t make the cut in AAA’s list. Maybe they don’t have an Eagle Scout on staff. Their suggestions listed below are good to review, nonetheless: 

• Mobile phone pre-programmed with rescue apps and important phone numbers, including family and emergency services, and car charger
• Drinking water 
• First-aid kit 
• Non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
• Bag of abrasive material (sand, salt, cat litter) or traction mats
• Snow shovel 
• Blankets 
• Warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves) 
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Window washer solvent 
• Ice scraper with brush 
• Cloth or roll of paper towels
• Jumper cables
• Warning devices (flares or triangles)
• Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench) 

Find more winter driving tips at AAA.com.