Get ahead of Old Man Winter on the road this year

With snowy weather on the way, Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Erik Jorgensen made an appearance on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse to recommend getting one’s vehicle ready for winter’s roads. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen

When asked what the majority of the public can do to prevent trouble on this road this winter, Jorgensen said it matters most where the rubber meets the road. 

Lt. E. Jorgensen

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 anti lock 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 slowing down on dangerous road conditions, leaving early and allowing plenty of time to reach your destination.