Stay Safe on the Road This Winter

As temperatures drop, we want you to stay safe at work and home. It’s time to think about preparing your car for winter! You never know when you will encounter winter weather or hazardous road conditions. 

Follow these tips from Police and Security to stay safe all season long. 

Stock Up

Winter weather like snow and sleet can cause accidents, road closures and traffic backups. You might get stuck in your car for longer than you planned. Stay prepared by keeping the following items in your car:

• Warm clothing and blankets
• Extra food and water
• A flashlight
• A glass scraper
• Cat litter or sand (to gain traction on icy roads)
• A first aid kit

Tune Up

Service your vehicle regularly to keep it in good condition all season long. Cold weather can affect multiple parts of your car. Check your battery, tire tread, windshield wipers and antifreeze. Fill your windshield wiper reservoir with no-freeze fluid.

Keep a look out and listen for problems with your car, including broken or missing parts. Catalytic converter theft is on the rise across the nation. Catalytic converters help your car clean its exhaust, and they contain expensive metals that can be resold by thieves. Cars that sit high off the ground like SUVs and pickup trucks are easy targets. You can prevent theft by painting your catalytic converter with spray paint or etching your license plate number or VIN onto your catalytic converter. Many insurance carriers cover theft.

If you can, keep your car in a garage or covered area to keep it safe from harsh weather and other damage.

Driving in the Snow

In snowy conditions, it’s best to stay home. If you have to drive, keep these tips in mind:

• Slow down. You have lower traction on snow and ice.
• Increase your following distance. This gives you more time to brake completely if your car starts to slide.
• Don’t stop on or power up hills. Try to build up momentum that will carry you up the hill. Pressing the gas will only make your wheels spin.
• Know your brakes. Keep your foot on the floor and apply firm pressure to the brake to stop.

If you get stuck in the snow:

• Stay with your vehicle.
• Don’t overexert yourself.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna and keep the dome light on if possible. Use your flashlight.
• If you need to run your car, check that the exhaust pipe is clear, and save fuel by using only enough heat to clear the chill.

When you’re on any Carilion campus, you can call Security for help if you need it; they're ready to help you stay safe in any conditions!