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Home > Archive > Feb 21, 2008

Dealing With Utah's Winter
By Al Cooper
So far, the winter of 2008 looks like it is going into the books as one of Utah's most costly – in terms of both back-country and highway accidents, to say nothing of maintenance and policing challenges. One might hope that by mid-February, there might be “light at the end of the tunnel,” and a relaxing of winter's grip would be just around the corner. But... within the past twenty-four hours of this writing, thousands of travelers in almost every corner of the state have been exposed to blizzard conditions. Many have been involved in road accidents, been confined to their vehicles for unexpected periods of time – often with their gas tanks running on empty – or even in need of rescue. School children and other have had to be temporarily sheltered and cared for, and family members separated by storm-related complications they might never have contemplated at the beginning of the day.
Hopefully, all of that is now history, but... February and March have historically shown themselves to be the most stormy, and unpredictable of all, and more trials may well lie ahead. In a lifetime of highway and back country travel (some three million miles to be conservative) I have learned too much to take deceptively-warm late winter weather for granted.  And so, at the risk of being called “chicken little,” let me take a few paragraphs of your time to share a few suggestions.
Make sure your vehicle is in top running condition: You may need all the lugging power that battery cane muster, and all the traction those winter-worn tire treads have held onto. A full and adequate coolant supply, sound belts and a safe exhaust system cane yield a life-saving payoff when the running gets rough.
Keep your fuel supply above the halfway mark: Even if you have planned a short trip to a fairly nearby destination where you hope gasoline prices might be two cents a gallon less anyway, take the time to fill up. (I recently spent two hours waiting out unexpected blizzard conditions on a remote off-ramp, where I was thankful for the last-minute intuition which overcame my initial temptation to postpone that need fill-up.)
Outfit each vehicle for travel emergencies: Beside routine supplies such as a set of “jumper” cables, common tools, an extra quart of engine oil, coolant and brake fluid (which are always sequestered in my spare tire well in all seasons), I throw an old carry bag filled with winter gear into the trunk for even short trips. It holds warm clothing, extra socks, a blanket, energy bars, spare water and dried fruit. In on of its pockets is an emergency heat source and sealed butane lighter along with a metal cup with which I can melt snow if necessary. There is a small first aid kit, a signaling whistle, a collapsible shovel and a strip of “day-glo” material for marking vehicle location.  A heavy-duty lantern-type flashlight, cell phone with battery charger, head protection, gloves and ear muffs stay within reach of the driver, as does a rock-climber's pointed hammer which can quickly break out a door window. Common sense and your own particular needs – including life-sustaining medications – will go on your own personal list. (Obviously, a slightly different kit is carried in summer driving conditions, with an emphasis on water.)
Stay in touch: It is especially important in winter to share your driving plans with someone else, i.e. destination, intended route, expected arrival time, vehicle identification, including license number, etc.. You can get up-to-date road condition reports from UDOT by calling 511 in Utah, or 866-511-UTAH if out-of-state.
In winter stormy conditions: Slow down! Allow extra braking distances and do not “tailgate.” Remember, blowind snow can bring about zero visibility conditions in mere seconds, and the wind-chill factor can freeze what was just damp pavement very quickly. Expect overpasses to feeze first. Stay well away from snow plows and road equipment; if your vehicle is being pelted with salt and gravel, you are following too close!  Pas them only when there is an available and safe passing lane. Adjust your speed to the moment's droving conditions, and ask yourself the question: Why are so many SUVs and four-wheel-drive vehicles stuck in the median, rolled over in a roadside ditch, or otherwise waiting for a tow truck? And don't be too proud to pull off and “wait it out.”
If worst comes to worst: If you find yourself stranded in your vehicle in blizzard conditions:
• Stay in your vehicle unless safe shelter is nearby, or there is some overpowering reason to leave its protection.
• Preserve body heat. Make use of blanket or extra clothing quickly.
• Mark your antenna or door handle with bright material.
• Plan on running your engine for ten minutes each hour. Make sure your exhaust tail pipe is not obstructed. Make sure there is cross ventilation in the driving compartment at all times. At night, turn on the dome light during engine times.
• Exercise arms and legs to keep blood flowing. Keep head and neck warm as well. Be vigilant for signs of hypothermia (uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, slurred speech, drowsiness and disorientation).
• Drink plenty of fluids and eat available food. Melt snow if necessary; it is easy to become dehydrated in winter conditions.
Without meaning to be trite or recite the obvious, my final pieces of advice include: Avoid heading into known dangerous conditions if you have that option. If you just find yourself there, apply large helpings of common sense; stay calm; think things through; keep your wits about you, and think about being of service to others who may need help even more then you do.
Al Cooper regularly teaches Home, Family and Community Preparedness classes for Utah's Dept. of Public Safety, Division of Homeland Security. He is the author of “Fortifying Your Home Against the Unexpected.” He can be reached at 801-641-9226 or by e-mail at acooper@utah.gov.

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