Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/201540
drivesmart Thinking Ahead How to prepare for a vehicle breakdown by Lawrence Herzog It happens every winter. A storm sweeps in, blowing snow reduces visibility, conditions deteriorate and vehicles end up off the road in snow banks or in the ditch. Motorists stranded by weather, or by vehicle breakdown, can find themselves in big trouble – especially if they're not prepared. "It can happen anytime," says Sgt. Craig Cleary, media relations officer for the Saskatchewan RCMP. "Whether it's weather, a collision with wildlife, a mechanical issue or falling asleep behind the wheel, there are a lot of reasons motorists can go off the road and get stranded." That's why it's important to plan ahead, investing some time into getting your vehicle and yourself ready for any possibilities. Shannon Ell, SGI's manager of traffic safety promotion, says preparations begin with making sure you are rested and that both you and your vehicle are ready to travel. "Mechanical condition is important all the time, but especially in winter," Ell says. A complete tune-up that checks the engine, brakes, belts and hoses, fluid levels, battery, lights and tires will help keep your vehicle running smoothly and safely. A roadside survival kit is essential. CAA Saskatchewan recommends travelling with a shovel, blankets, matches, candle, tin cup (to melt snow for water), quick energy food (chocolate, granola bars, trail mix), snowbrush and ice scraper, booster cables, flashlight and flares. Or, order a ready-made kit from CAA at caask.ca/shop/auto-safety (member prices: $32 for a standard kit; $56, deluxe). Before you start out on a trip, check the forecast and road conditions at your origin and your destination, and remember that circumstances can change rapidly. Fill your Jim Craigmyle/Masterfile p42-43_DriveSmart_WWS.indd 43 tank with fuel, then be sure to refuel before it drops below half. When roadways are closed by weather, Ell says, we must respect those closures. If you find yourself off the road or stuck in bad weather, it's usually safer to stay with your vehicle than trying to go for help. During a 2007 Saskatchewan blizzard, three people died of exposure while walking for help after their vehicles left the road. Two of them, an 18-year-old man and 38-year-old woman, were found dead by the roadside just 200 metres from home. Their clothing wasn't warm enough, and they perished in the cold. It's a common miscalculation, Sgt. Cleary says. "It's best to have blankets or snowsuits within arm's reach inside your car, and it's advisable to dress for the conditions outside, not inside, your vehicle. If your emergency gear is in the trunk, and you cannot get to it because you are stuck in your vehicle, then it's no good to you. Keep candles and a lighter in your glovebox for easy access." During storms where many vehicles are immovable, help may be longer coming, as emergency services personnel deal with calls on a priority assistance basis. "During bad storms, we go up and down the highways to make sure those people in the ditches are OK, with sufficient fuel to wait it out for a tow truck," Sgt. Cleary says. "If the conditions are bad with reduced visibility, we don't recommend stopping to help other motorists because you may be putting yourself at risk," he says. "It's best to let emergency personnel handle it." For winter driving tips, visit caask.ca/safety. For help on the road, contact CAA Roadside Assistance at 1-800-222-4357. For up-to-date road information, call the Saskatchewan Highway Hotline at 1-888-335-7623. roadworthy tips No matter how far your trip will be taking you, be sure to leave home in a tuned-up, fully fuelled vehicle while wearing appropriate clothing and footwear. ■ Plan travel routes in advance and let others know your route, destination and estimated time of arrival. ■ Pack emergency survival items such as food, water, any needed medication, blankets and first aid supplies. ■ If storms develop while you are travelling, seriously consider stopping over in a town or village, rather than continuing and risking being stranded. ■ If you do get stuck, stay calm and stay with your vehicle. It provides excellent temporary ■ shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. ■ Don't try to walk in a blizzard. It is easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost. ■ Lower your downwind-side windows slightly and open the heater air vent to get fresh air into the vehicle. Run the engine to get some heat and listen to news reports, but be sure not to run out of fuel in the process. ■ Keep your exhaust pipe clear of ice and snow. ■ If necessary, use candles to keep warm. ■ Avoid overexerting yourself if trying to push a vehicle or dig it out of the snow. • Sources: CAA Saskatchewan, SGI, Saskatchewan Driver's Handbook Westworld >> w i n t e r 2 0 1 3 43 13-10-18 10:23 AM