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MURRAY – It’s probably many Calloway County residents will likely be touring subsequent week for Thanksgiving, and as you proceed getting used to the chilly climate, now is an efficient time to verify your car is prepared for winter via correct upkeep and protecting an emergency package in case of a breakdown.
Keith Todd, public data officer for the Kentucky Transportation Cupboard’s District 1, mentioned that after western Kentucky obtained snow final Friday evening, he hoped it will remind motorists they need to get ready for extra extreme climate which may have an effect on their journey plans.
“I believe it is a good reminder,” Todd mentioned. “These early-season snowfalls give individuals loads of time to prepare.”
In case you get stranded, KYTC recommends stocking your car winter emergency package with ice scrapers, jumper cables, blankets, further gloves, a flashlight, a cellular phone charger, non-perishable snacks and a primary support package. Todd mentioned that along with storing a number of bottles of water in your car, he personally recommends protecting snacks like peanut butter crackers since they don’t go stale as rapidly as another meals.
Todd mentioned one useful tip not many individuals take into consideration is protecting a candle in your automobile, in addition to a approach to gentle it. This could are available in very helpful if you happen to run out of gasoline on an especially chilly day or in case your car received’t begin, he mentioned.
“Although you may not give it some thought, a candle places off sufficient warmth you can heat your palms with it,” Todd mentioned. “I additionally at all times carry further paper towels in my package in case I would like it for one thing. Additionally, lots of people carry bathroom paper – since you by no means know.”
Winterizing your car is one other necessary step towards being ready for the sudden. KYTC is reminding motorists to test their automobile battery, tire strain and brakes. Folks must also be sure that their car’s heater, defroster, headlights and windshield wipers are all working correctly. Todd mentioned many individuals additionally overlook how crucial it’s to test your tire tread. This is a crucial security tip at any time of 12 months, however particularly at the start of the winter.
“Most tire shops will test it for you at no cost,” Todd mentioned. “(KYTC has) been pushing it for a number of years, however Colorado did a research a number of years in the past of vehicles that went off the highway in the course of the first two or three early-season snowfalls, they usually discovered {that a} fairly excessive quantity – it was round 50-60% – of the vehicles that ended up off the highway had tread that was beneath the trade customary. So in case your tire tread is beginning to get just a little skinny, this may be a superb time to test it and begin taking a look at new tires.”
Even when your personal car doesn’t break down or get caught in an accident, an emergency package is useful if you happen to get caught in visitors. Todd recalled an excessive instance from 18 years in the past, when he had solely been in his present place at KYTC a few months.
“I began with the company in October of 2004, and Christmas week of ’04, we had a few foot of snow,” Todd mentioned. “We had a double-trailered FedEx truck that overturned on a hill in Lyon County between Eddyville and Cadiz, and it blocked the highway simply lengthy sufficient that – because it was snowing so arduous – (snow piled up) across the automobiles that have been stopped in visitors. Although we bought the truck pushed off the highway so visitors might go forward, by then, there was a lot snow round our automobiles that no person might transfer. There have been a few vehicles that have been stopped on a few of these hills, they usually could not get transferring. Some visitors was blocked for 36 or 38 hours.
“We had (KYTC employees) popping out in four-wheel drive vehicles and taking individuals issues like water and snacks. There have been a number of people who have been near working out of gasoline. I’d not suggest carrying a can of gasoline in your car as a result of a gallon of gasoline is the equal of a stick of dynamite; however, particularly this time of 12 months, I am usually not going to let my gasoline get beneath a few quarter of a tank just because if you happen to get caught in visitors and there is a crash someplace, you’ll have to maintain your engine working to remain heat.”
KYTC additionally issued the next winter driving ideas in a information launch:
• Journey solely when mandatory throughout main snow occasions.
• When snow and/or ice are on roadways, drive slowly it doesn’t matter what sort of car you drive. It takes extra time and distance to cease your car in poor climate, so brake early and slowly.
• Take note of climate advisories and permit extra time to journey for routine commutes.
• Decelerate when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shaded areas. These are all candidates for creating black ice – a skinny coating of clear ice that may type on the pavement floor which may be troublesome to see.
• Keep a secure distance from snowplows and different heavy freeway tools, and don’t cross snowplows on the shoulder.
• Know earlier than you go. Obtain the free WAZE app or go to ky.gov to test visitors circumstances earlier than you journey. The map additionally presents entry to pick out visitors cameras on interstates and parkways.
• Get rid of distractions whereas driving, equivalent to utilizing a cellphone and/or consuming.
Folks can go to snowky.ky.gov for snow and ice assets, like precedence route maps, ideas and freeway district updates, KYTC mentioned.
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