For Release December 4, 2001

AGRI-VIEWS
by Chuck Otte, Geary County Extension Agent

The post Thanksgiving storm brought us our first blast of cold winter weather. Further south, in Oklahoma and Texas, it brought a devastating mix of snow and ice. At least thirteen people, in Oklahoma and Texas, tragically lost their lives in automobile accidents in that storm.

This tragic event needs to serve as a reminder. We are now into the winter travel season and, for the next four months, all travel will be on Mother Nature’s terms.

Like weather any time in the Great Plains, winter weather is extremely variable. This morning’s calm warm weather can be an ice storm or a snow storm by the time you head home from work. You simply can not assume anything. All you can do is be prepared and be flexible with your plans.

The first step is being prepared. Make sure your vehicle is in good operating condition. Extreme weather will take its toll on vehicles that are not ready for the wintery conditions. Make sure that you always have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. Trying to get home in a raging snow storm is no time to be running low on fuel.

Have emergency winter weather supplies in your car. These supplies should include extra coats, blankets or a sleeping bag, mittens, socks, a stocking cap, even insulated boots. Keep a few candles, a coffee can, matches, bottled water, canned fruits and nuts in the car just in case you’re stranded. While a cell phone is good to have along in case of an emergency, don’t let it give you a false sense of security. Just because you can contact emergency services does not mean that they will be able to travel out to rescue you.

Two very critical items to have with you in winter driving conditions are common sense and patience. If a storm is moving in, don’t travel unless it is an emergency. It is better to miss an event or activity than to risk life and limb in a winter storm. If you are traveling on anything other than dry roads, assume that the worst traction conditions exist. A wet road now, can be glaze ice within the mile. Be especially cautious of any elevated surface. They will cool down and freeze first.

Front wheel drive vehicles and antilock brakes have their advantages, but they also create a false sense of security. It is still going to take longer to stop if the road is wet, snowy or icy. Just because you can get your vehicle traveling at the speed limit does not mean that you can control it or safely stop it. To compensate, reduce speed, increase distance between you and the vehicle ahead of you and plan for the unexpected. It will take longer to slow down for turns or simply come to a stop. Don’t make sudden moves. Always imagine that there’s an egg between your foot and the accelerator or brake pedal. You don’t want to break the egg!

Finally, stay current on local weather forecasts and conditions. Cable and satellite television allow us to be around the world in an instant, but they can be a poor way to know what’s going on right around you! Forecasts are updated every six hours. That’s because the weather is that variable and can change that fast. Listen to local radio stations for regular weather updates. Buy a weather radio and have the latest forecast at your fingers tips. Or if you are a world wide web surfer, bookmark the National Weather Service zone forecast for where you live.

Winter travel is a fact of life in the Great Plains. It can be very normal or it can be very risky. But you can decrease your risk and survive it just fine, if you and your vehicle are properly prepared.

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