WHP: Now is the time to prepare for winter driving

Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Erik Jorgensen appeared on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse program to give some tips on preparing their vehicle for the changing weather. 

Although snow has yet to fall in Sheridan County, Jorgensen wanted the public to be prepared for possible early snow storms that may blanket the area. 

Jorgensen told listeners that now is a good time to get winter tires placed on your vehicle, if you lack all weather tires. Preparing for emergency situations helps to mitigate risk and severity should a situation arise. According to Jorgensen, having an extra battery to charge your phone may be a lifesaver. 

Having a bag containing emergency clothing, water and food can make a bad situation more comfortable if one is forced to wait for help or a tow truck during the winter months. 

To better prepare your vehicle for the hard winter months the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has listed some safety tips for safe winter driving as well as some items that will help you be better prepared in the event of a slide. 

Get Your Car Serviced

Visit your mechanic for a tune-up and ask them to check for leaks, badly worn hoses, or other needed parts, repairs, and replacements.

Know Your Car

Read your vehicle’s manual to familiarize yourself with the safety features on your vehicle—such as antilock brakes and electronic stability control—and how the features perform in wintry conditions. When renting a car, become familiar with the vehicle before driving it off the lot.

Stock Your Vehicle

Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:

Snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper;

Abrasive material such as sand or kitty litter, in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;

Jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices such as flares and emergency markers;

Blankets for protection from the cold;

A cell phone with charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine (for longer trips or when driving in lightly populated areas).

Above all, Jorgensen suggested leaving early when one wakes up to a snowstorm and allowing plenty of time to reach your destination.