Be prepared for winter road emergencies

Mother Nature is about to start testing motorists’ winter driving skills again.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory beginning 10 p.m. Monday and ending at 4 p.m. today. Accumulation of 1-3 inches is expected, and the snow could be mixed with rain at times.

Drivers may have to navigate slick, snow-covered roads with reduced visibility.

“Treacherous conditions possible during morning commute,” stated the weather service’s advisory issued Monday afternoon.

Meteorologist Randy Mann said very cold temperatures are expected through the weekend, so slick driving conditions will likely linger, affecting holiday travel.

Kootenai County Sheriff Ben Wolfinger is urging drivers to take special precautions as they travel to spend Thanksgiving with friends and family.

“Severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel. Motorists should know the safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies,” Wolfinger said in a press release.

To help drivers stay safe, the sheriff’s office offers the following winter driving tips:

• Get plenty of rest before before you take to the roads and highways. This will reduce the risks involved with driving while you are fatigued.

• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.

• Make certain your tires are properly inflated, and never mix radial tires with other tire types.

• Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in freezing, wet weather.

• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Jim Lyon, deputy marshal with Northern Lakes Fire Protection District, said maintaining safe distances between vehicles is one of the most important winter driving tips.

He said angled, unguarded railroad crossings — like the one at West Boekel Road between Ramsey and Atlas roads — pose a particular danger to drivers during storms. Blowing snow can cover the railroad tracks making them virtually invisible to unaware drivers, he said.

Windswept snow is also problematic in other areas of travel on the Rathdrum Prairie where the raised roadways have sloping shoulders that can be concealed by blowing snow causing slide-offs and rollover accidents.

The best thing drivers can do is simply slow down, Lyon said.

The sheriff’s office also offers these tips for long-distance winter trips:

• Watch weather reports prior to driving a long distance or in isolated areas. Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected. If you must go, let others know your route, destination, route and estimated time of arrival.

• Always keep your vehicle in peak operating condition.

• Keep blankets, gloves, hats, food, water, and any needed medication in your vehicle. Don’t forget your cellphone.

• If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle. Your vehicle provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the top of a rolled up window to signal distress.

• Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost and exposed to the elements.

• At night, keep the dome light on if possible. It uses a small amount of electricity and will make it easier for rescuers to find you.

• Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold. This could include floor mats, newspapers, or paper maps.

• If possible, run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the chill and conserve gasoline. Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. A blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into your vehicle with the engine running.

• Don’t overexert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of the snow.

• Always use your seat belt every time you get into your vehicle.