·        Always use seatbelts.

·        Give yourself plenty of travel time.

·        Adjust speed to road and weather conditions.

·        Keep a safe stopping distance between vehicles.

·        Leave extra room between your vehicles and snow plows.

·        Turn headlights on.

·        Do not use cruise control.

·        Clear snow and ice from windows, hood, headlights, brake lights, and directional signals.

·        Avoid stopping while traveling uphill.

·        Reduce speed going downhill.

 

 

 

·        2 or 3 pound coffee can (punch 3 holes at the top of can, equal distance apart)

·        60-inch length of twine or heavy string (cut into 3 equal pieces – used to suspend can)

·        3 large safety pins (tie string to safety pins and pin to car roof interior to suspend can over candle)

·        1 candle 2” diameter (place on lid under suspended can for melting snow)

·        1 pocket knife (or substitute with scissors)

·        3 pieces of bright cloth 2” wide x 36” long (tie to antenna or door handle)

·        Several packets of soup, hot chocolate, tea, bouillon cubes, etc. (mixed into melted snow to provide warmth and nutrition)

·        1 small package of peanuts (provides protein) and fruit-flavored candy (avoid chocolate)

·        1 pair of athletic socks (cotton) and 1 pair of glove liners (cotton)

·        2 packages of book matches

·        1 sun shield blanket or 2 large green or black plastic leaf bats (to reflect body heat)

·        1 pen light and batteries (keep separate)

 

When complete, place stocking cap over kit and carry in passenger compartment of car. If you have a 3-pount can, you will still have additional room for band-aids, aspirin, small radio, etc. If there is still room left, increase the quantity of any of the above items, or improvise items you feel might be necessary.

 

Remember, hypothermia (rapid loss of body temperature) can happen to anyone. Stay in your car until help arrives.