Down in the Southern states, we just had what we called #SnowJam 2014. A greater than expected, faster than usual, snow storm whirled through Atlanta, leaving 3″ of snow on top of some icy sheeted roads. Schools, businesses, daycares, etc all closed at the sight of flurries, but by the time 600,000 cars and buses hit the highways, it was too much at the same time. A perfect storm of weather, ice, traffic and wreckage caused some people’s commutes to go from 40 minutes to 22 hours. In an effort to get you home safely the next time you experience winter conditions, Tindol Ford has generously sponsored this post for me to share my own tips to guide you along these southern snowy roads!
Have a Family Kit in the Car: When our family welcomed Red into the world, we put a family kit in the car (separate from the diaper bag). It consisted mostly of a few diapers, a change of clothes and some formula. This was in case Red’s diaper leaked on his clothes, we were caught out at a friend’s house longer than usual, etc. But as he’s gotten older, we have continued to update the kit with larger clothes, snack bars, a bottle of water and a small first aid kit. Most of my friends think I’m addle brained to have such a kit in the car, but #SnowJam 2014 would have been the perfect use! Try packing yourself a mini first aid, children’s needs or even just a few shelf stable snacks for an unexpected emergency.
Lower your Tire Pressure: If you must be out in the ice, or if you’ve gotten stuck trying to get home, try deflating your tires a tiny bit. The deflation causes added tire to make contact with the road, increasing your traction. This is another good reason to keep your tires fresh and within proper tread measurements.
Kitty Litter: Cat litter, of any make or brand can be an easy way to add needed traction to a slippery spot. Pour the litter on either side of your drive tires and slowly work your way out of the slippery spot. It may not always help to melt the ice, but the traction will stay intact.
Fill ‘er up!: When it’s cold, the vapors in a car to crystallize and cause your car to either start slowly, or not at all. Cars and trucks with 3/4 of a tank of gas or more are likelier to start in below freezing temperatures, snow notwithstanding. As a rule, as you’re rushing to get your bread, milk, diapers and eggs (better safe than sorry!!), fill up your car on the way home… Many people were stuck on the roadways for so long in #SnowJam 2014 that they couldn’t get off the roads even to fill up. Be gas smart. Have a small empty fill-up container in your truck – be ready for an emergency where AAA may not be able to get to you!
Take Charge(rs): Communication is key, and that holds true in a winter storm. Grab yourself a portable charger, a “juice box” or an old fashioned cigarette lighter converter to make sure that you can still call family, emergency staff or others.
Grab an Ice Scraper: Sure, it may be the South, but in my 16+ years that I’ve lived down in GA I’ve used my ice scraper at least every other year, a few days in a row. When you need visibility or simply to crack open your mailbox, a cheap, thick plastic ice scraper (*affiliate) does the job and won’t put you out more than $8. Be sure to take your car for a winter checkup, using antifreeze and other winterizing compounds to keep your vehicle thawed.
Stay Home!: When in doubt, stay home! Check your local news outlet for closings, and stay put! Even if you are confident with your driving skills, you can’t say the same for those other crazies out there. Or for mother nature. Telecommute, watch movies, play in the ice and snow. Be safe and enjoy your day off!
Happy, happy birthday, Chase! Sounds like a great way to celebrate!
I live in Florida–I can’t even imagine driving in the snow! These are great tips. Pinning incase I need these in the future! 🙂
This is so cute. I am up in Massachusetts and the recent snow down south is literally nothing to us. Basically, in less than 2 inches, you drive in it like you would on regular pavement. No need to slow down that much – that’s what causes the accidents….going too slow 🙂
I am the stay home type. I have been known to venture out as needed, but I make sure to have emergency kits on hand (blankets/food) just in case if I do.
I did not know that trick about the tire pressure, so thanks. My husband might be aware of it already, but I’ll share it with him just in case.
This mess in Atlanta omg always have a kit. I have one in each of cars with chips, water, a change of clothes and a blanket for the winter I need to travel with a charger other than my car one too.
Ah yes I’ve learned these all too well! Growing up in Florida we never had problems but now we live in Iowa where it’s not uncommon to drive on an inch of ice throughout the winter! Needless to say we’ve gone off the road a few times! I now keep a duffle bag packed with extra winter hats, gloves, socks, jackets, and blankets in case we ever get stuck for a while!
This is so true! I grew up in NY so snow was nothing to us. Now I am in the South and I just can’t believe how everything shuts down the way it did. I definitely need to prepare a kit for the car.
This has been quite the winter! I remember living in the south and how crazy things would get when it snowed. These are definitely good tips!
I love this! I have been wanting to get a kit together for my daughter since she drives far for work.
I have a bag of sand in my trunk. It’s actually from when I lived in Michigan, but heck you never know, right? I have an ice scraper and snow brush too. The one thing I think I don’t have anymore is a snow shovel. I need to get one again!
GREAT tips! I hate all of this bad weather and I definitely need to make sure my car is prepared.
I remember when I first moved from Florida to Colorado I was terrified to drive in the snow. I had a long way to drive from work and one day I slid all the way across the highway road. It was the scariest thing ever. Ever since that incident I took extra precautions and had to really take the time to learn to drive properly and safely in winter weather!
we always stay home in any weather unless we HAVE to go out. i’d rather leave the roads for crews to do their job.
All good tips. I slid on ice on the way back from the school run yesterday and it was not fun. I hate driving in the winter, but it really is best to be prepared, if you do have to!
Growing up in the Midwest, we always had an emergency kit in the trunk to keep us warm in case we were stuck somewhere. Now that our winters seem to be getting colder here in the Northeast, I’m going to have to start carrying one around again. Great tips!
Ugh, as much as I would love to live somewhere that has all that pretty snow in the winter, I am grateful that I don’t. We only have to worry about having to drive in the rain here in Miami.
Driving in snowy conditions is so dangerous. I really hope people see and use these tips. Very helpful.
These are great tips! I just survived #SnowJam 2014 in Atlanta too – it’s been a crazy week!
Oh yes, these are such important winter driving tips. My husband and I are more prepared this year, and keep the car stocked with a bag of salt, a blanket, ice scraper, and a mini shovel. Plus, snow tires! What a difference they make 🙂
It blows my mind about the situation in Atlanta! I’m just glad everyone I know there seems to have been safe and warm! Thanks for these tips!
I don’t envy your snow at all! I’m always terrified to drive in the snow.
These are great tips, Lindsey. It’s awful that the Atlantans had such a difficult time on the roads, but it was really such a mixture of so many factors that got us into this mess. Thanks for sharing so we can be better prepared next time!
my advice os to stay home! i know that’s hard for most people but its the best thing
Might I recommend that when laying down cat littler, choose the kind that isn’t the clumping kind? My husband found that out the hard way. 🙂
Great tips! I had no idea about the cat litter! We’ve never lived anywhere where snow has been an issue.. but doesn’t mean that we won’t ever!
As someone who lives in the north I found it baffling how few people were prepared for snow in the south. Another tip is drive slowly and for goodness sake do not hit your brakes.
I live in the North East. Something everyone needs to know is just slow down, pay attention, and DO NOT BRAKE.
I am up north in the East and I think people who live in snowy weather still needs these tips.
Great tips! Any time it snows here people forget how to drive…it’s very frustrating! We just had a terrible snowstorm last night and my commute went from 45 min to 2 hours. These tips are spot on! -April
Nice tips! I’ll be honest, I kind of laugh a little at the way people drive down here in the south when the snow comes, because I grew up in northern Maine and I’ve driven in blizzards, white-outs, and more. Stuff that keeps people at home here is considered a Sunday drive in Maine! But I know it’s not fair to compare, as they get much less opportunity to practice.
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The tips are great and helpful to car owners during winter.