Surviving a Winter Car Accident

Car accidents are something certainly something to dread, no matter the season. Involvement in a winter weather car accident brings with it a whole new level of stress. Roads are more slippery, making it difficult for other drivers to stop, the temperature is lower making it more dangerous to be stranded, and if there is snow and ice on the road it can take longer for first responders to reach you. Be well prepared and follow these tips to stand a better chance of emerging safely from a winter weather accident.

Winter Weather Kit

Before winter begins, it is important to properly stock your vehicle. Make a winter driving kit and keep it in your vehicle at all times. Having this kit prepared will give you all you need to survive a night or two in your car should no one be able to reach you. Your winter weather kit should include:

- A backpack or duffel bag to hold your supplies
- A blanket or sleeping bag
- A box of granola or protein bars
- Several bottles of water
- A working flashlight and an extra set of batteries
- Matches
- Jumper cables
- De-icer
- Fix-a-flat or a travel sized air compressor
- Flares or emergency road triangles
- A hat, gloves and several pairs of socks
- A full change of clothes
- A travel charger for your cell phone

If You Are Involved in an Accident

Whether you are involved in a single or multiple car accident, or are simply stranded alongside the road, there are things you should and shouldn’t do.

What you SHOULD do:

- Keep your car cleared of snow. It is difficult for responders to locate your vehicle if it blends in with its surroundings. At a minimum, keep the front and rear of your car cleared and also the roof (so you can be seen from an emergency helicopter).
- Phone for help immediately. Your first call should be to 911 and your second to your husband, wife, partner or whomever you choose. Let someone know what has happened and where you are.
- Turn off your vehicle.
- Think warm. If you are going to be stranded for more than 30 minutes, wrap yourself in a blanket or put on more clothing.
- Use your heater. Turn on your vehicle, if it is operable, once every hour for 10 minutes. This will allow you to heat the car without running out of gas. If you have a full tank of gas, you will be able to do this for two to three days should it become necessary.

What you should NOT do:

- Walk to find help. Unless you can step out of your car and walk straight up someone’s driveway, do not leave your vehicle. Even if you think you know the terrain, it can be very easy to get lost and turned around or disoriented. Should this happen, you are at great risk of dying from exposure.
- Perform vehicle maintenance on an icy or snow covered road. Changing a tire on the side of an icy road isn’t worth the potential for serious physical harm brought on by a “rubber-necker” or out-of-control vehicle. Call a professional.
- Allow your exhaust pipe to become clogged with snow. If your exhaust pipe becomes clogged, dangerous emissions can enter your vehicle while you’re trying to warm up.

If you are involved in a winter weather car accident, the risk to your health and well being can increase dramatically. By preparing yourself, and your vehicle prior to the start of the season and by following these tips, you can lower that risk dramatically. And the best tip of all: slow down, take your time and pay close attention to the roads. Getting there late is better than not getting there at all!

Author Stephen Anderson is an insurance consultant who strongly suggests that you Compare Car Insurance rates online these days for the best deals possible. Car Insurance Quotes Indiana is one example of the state rates you can compare.