Winter Weather Driving Safety

Nebraska Winter Weather Awareness Day

Driving Safety

Nebraska Department of Roads Snow Removal

Photo courtesy Nebraska Department of Roads Region 6

Seventy percent of injuries related to ice and snow result from vehicle accidents.

Plan your travel and check the latest weather to avoid the storm. Fully check and winterize your vehicle before winter begins. Keep your gas tank near full to avoid fuel line icing. Avoid traveling alone.. Let someone know your timetable and routes.

If your vehicle gets stuck or slides off the road, the following guidelines will help you decide what course of action to take.

Stay in vehicle:

You will become quickly disoriented in wind-driven snow and cold.
Run the motor about 10 minutes each hour for heat.
Open the window a little for fresh air to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
Make sure the exhaust pipe is not blocked.

Be visible to rescuers:
Turn on the dome light at night when running the engine.
Tie a colored cloth, preferably red, to your antenna or door.
After snow stops falling, raise the hood to indicate you need help.

Exercise:

From time to time, move arms, legs, fingers and toes vigorously to keep blood circulating and to keep warm.

AVOID OVEREXERTION, such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. The strain from the cold and the hard labor may cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.

Winter Storm Survival Kit Can Include:

Sand or cat litter
Ice scraper/brush
Small shovel
Tin can (to melt snow for water)
Waterproof matches
High-calorie, non-perishable food
(peanuts, hard candy, and raisins)
Blankets/sleeping bags
Flashlight with extra batteries
First aid kit
Essential medicines
Knife
Extra clothing to keep dry

Toilet tissue
Large empty can for emergency toilet
Paper towels
Tool kit
Tow rope/chain
Jumper cables
Water
Compass
Road maps or GPS
Candles
Bright cloth (red)
Cell phone with car charger
Coins for payphone

Additional Information

Some of the pages listed below are in a PDF format. To view these files Download Adobe Reader

Winter Safety: National Website | Winter Storms: Deceptive Killers | Winter Safety Info (Red Cross)