Check the weather, prepare for worst before traveling for holidays

It's always a good idea to be prepared for travel as the first signs of winter weather have already arrived in the area.

Kansas Highway Patrol Technical Trooper and Public Resource Officer Rick Wingate said some of the most common problems troopers deal with during winter seasons are motorists driving too fast for the weather conditions and not wearing their seat belts.

"If road conditions are poor, people need to slow down," Wingate said. "They need to watch their speed and make sure they're buckled in ... People have overconfidence they can drive faster than they really can. Speed is something we take for granted; we need to slow down. (Drivers) need to be seen and slow down and make sure they're buckled up."

According to the KHP, winter driving can be dangerous, especially for rusty drivers at the beginning of the season. After a long spring and summer, it is easy to forget how to drive on slick roads and in low visibility during the winter. Common sense says to monitor the weather, travel only when necessary, keep speed down and drive defensively.

Wingate said one of the main tips he can provide is for motorists to have their vehicles serviced.

"Get it down to a qualified certified mechanic shop so they can go over it and look at belts, hoses and other parts that may need replaced," he said. "If you're going to take a trip during the holiday season, you want to get the problem taken care of and not be broken down on the side of the road."

Wingate said it is also a good idea to check the vehicle's battery, cooling system, fluids and windshield wipers.

"When temps drop down, so does battery power," he said. "If they've had their car two to three years, the battery might start to get weak. Check your cooling system and make sure there is plenty of antifreeze, make sure the washer fluid reservoir is full of no-freeze fluid. When you spray it on the windshield, it will keep it from freezing up on the windshield. Also, check wipers to make sure they're working properly. They do make heavy-duty wipers for winter time."

Wingate suggested a 50-50 mix of either coolant or antifreeze and water in the car's coolant tank.

Checking tires for adequate traction and pressure prior to winter travel is also a good precaution, Wingate said.

"People need to remember they need good tires on their vehicles," he said. "At the first of the winter season, they need to watch for snow and ice and they need to slow down. Also, especially for senior drivers who don't know the age of their tires, they want to make sure the condition of their tires is still good. Use a tire gauge to check tire pressure."

Wingate said he has asked several drivers if they have read the owner's manual in their vehicle and know all of the functions of the various gauges and buttons inside the vehicle. He usually gets a "no" when he asks that question.

"One of the best things to do is know your vehicle," he said. "A lot of people say they haven't read (the manual) to know how the vehicle works and operates."

Planning travel routes is also important, Wingate said.

"Check the weather and road conditions of the route planned to travel before taking off," he said. "Don't rush and allow plenty of time to get to your destination safely. Keep the gas tank close to full and know how far your car will go on a tank of gas. You don't want to get out on the roads and find out you don't have enough fuel to get to the next town."

Motorists can also carry an emergency kit full of items such as ice scrapers, a snow shovel or broom, abrasive materials such as sand or kitty litter for traction in case the vehicle runs off the edge of the road, jumper cables, a flashlight, warning devices such as flares and markers, and blankets for protection from the cold, Wingate said.

"And most everyone today carries a cell phone," he said. "Make sure there is plenty of battery for the cell phone and take a cell phone charger."

Wingate also said that people who take medications should remember to take their medicines with them when traveling, especially if they're going to be gone overnight. He also offered some advice for motorists who may find themselves stranded on the side of the road.

"Make sure to learn what to do in case of a winter emergency," he said. "Don't wander off (if stranded). Some people think they can bundle up and walk to the next town but it's best to stay with their car. Keep the interior dome light on; that doesn't burn a lot of electricity from the battery."

Wingate said bright markers that slip down over the car's antenna are available. These markers let law enforcement officers know the vehicle is broken down. Drivers can also use their four-way flashers to signal a break down.

"Also, run the car long enough to get it warm enough, then turn it off," he said. "Always wear seat belts, don't text and drive and wear protective clothing if driving when the weather is bad. They can always dial 511 to get the necessary information on roads. Also, never leave children unattended in and around vehicles."

According to the KHP, motorists should also check brake systems for excessive wear and have exhaust systems checked as small leaks can allow carbon monoxide to enter the passenger compartment.

KHP also offers the following tips for motorists who are going to be on the roads this winter:

* Allow extra time for delays and slower traffic speeds.

* Increase the distance between the vehicle traveling in front as ice and snow significantly increase stopping distance.

* Accelerate and brake gently. A light foot on the gas is less likely to make wheels spin on ice and snow. Braking is best accomplished by pumping the pedal. If the vehicle has an anti-lock braking system, it is very important to understand how to use it.

* Make turns slowly and gradually, especially in heavily traveled areas such as intersections that may be icy from snow that melted and refroze.

* Visibility is very important. Clean frost and snow off all windows, mirrors and lights. Use headlights if necessary.

* If the car loses traction and begins to slide, steer into the swerve or in the direction the driver wishes to go. Anticipate a second skid in the opposite direction as the car straightens out.

* Do not drink and drive. Designate a driver or call a cab. Report impaired drivers to a law enforcement agency.

* Watch for deer, especially near dusk and dawn.

Motorists who are stranded can also use a cell phone to call a KHP dispatcher by dialing *HP (47) or *KTA(582) while on the Kansas Turnpike. The Kansas Road Conditions Hotline is available by dialing 511 or visiting www.kanRoad.org. For other tips on planning drives, to view road and weather conditions and get more travel information, visit www.kandrive.org.