Road rage: winter snow stage

Published Dec. 3, 2015
By Airman 1st Class Christopher R. Morales
JBER Public Affairs

JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska -- Trudging through several inches of snow, struggling to find the keys in your pocket with gloves on, then spending 15 minutes turning a block of ice back into a car to get to work every morning ... that's just a taste of what below-freezing weather is like in Alaska.
This time of year is not very welcoming to new drivers, but there are a few things to know - or be reminded of - for the safety of oneself and others.

"Even in cold-weather scenarios, basic disaster-preparedness principles apply," said Air Force Capt. Ted Lebadz, 773d Civil Engineer Squadron Readiness and Emergency Management Flight commander. "Have a kit in your car, especially in this kind of weather."

A winter emergency kit should have: rations, first-aid, jumper cables, flashlight, battery powered or crank radio, extra batteries, pocket knife, shovel, windshield scraper, small broom, tow chain, rope, extra clothes, blanket, flares, matches, candles, salt, sand and extra necessary medication.

Even though the vehicle may be ready for the road, sometimes the road isn't ready for the vehicle.

Remember to leave early in case of traffic, icy roads, heavy snow or other weather impairments.

"Risk management needs to be applied to all activities like playing outside and driving," said Michael Lundvall, 673d Air Base Wing Occupational Safety representative. "Ask yourself 'what's your plan'?"

One of the biggest dangers of the season is other drivers who are not familiar with winter driving.

"Take that extra time to look both left and right at an intersection and drive defensively," Lundvall said. "You never know if that other driver has had one or two beers, so you need to be alert."

There are many other risks during the winter. It is important to clear off all the snow on one's vehicle, not only for your visibility, but the safety of others.

Additionally, while the sun is out a lot of light is reflected off the snow, so be prepared with sunglasses.

"If you're travelling when it is cold, don't turn on your car then run outside in your flip-flops and tank top," Lebadz said. "Suit up. Put your parka on, put your boots on, that way when you get stranded in your car and it breaks, dies or gets in an accident, you're not in a life-threatening situation and freeze to death."

To prevent crashes due to skidding and sliding, drive slowly around turns and gently brake with a few pauses in between. If skidding, remove pressure off of the gas and leave pressure off the brake. To get control of the vehicle again turn slightly in the direction you are skidding until the tires rotate again.

If your vehicle gets stuck, just make a path with a shovel or place sand from your emergency kit under the tires for traction.

If you don't have sand or cat litter, use bark or wood instead. Once the vehicle has momentum, keep it going until completely free and back on the road.

If you're caught during a snowstorm or blizzard, stay in the car and turn on all lights so it can be seen.

To survive for a long period of time use the engine and heater sparingly while making sure the exhaust pipe is never blocked. Cracking a window just a little helps avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and provides fresh air.

Remember to keep moving and not remain in one position by sometimes clapping your hands and shaking your legs. If alone don't sleep, but with a partner it might be helpful to take shifts until rescued or it is safe to leave.

Mother Nature isn't going to go easy on anyone. The only thing we can do is be prepared and ready for whatever she dishes out, whether it is snow, ice, fog, snowstorms or blizzards.

For practice driving on the road, the 673d Air Base Wing Safety office hosts a winter driving course Dec. 11 and every Friday thereafter from 9 to 11 a.m. with limited seating available for all military beneficiaries. The course itself provides information through two videos available depending on the experience of the class.

For more information on the class or to RSVP, call 552-6850.