Written by Laura Castelon, SIU Center for Family Medicine
The winter season has a unique beauty, as the sun glistens off snow-covered trees and ice sparkles on the ground. But winter also brings bitterly cold weather, and that picturesque snow and ice can cause problems for travelers. It is always important to consider your health and take proper precautions when driving in the winter.
Here are some seasonal traveling tips.

• Keep a box in the car with an ice scraper, tow rope, blankets, water, non-perishable food, gloves, hats, flashlight and batteries, candle and matches, first aid kit, shovel and any needed medications.
• Make sure your tires are in good condition and properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• Bring a fully charged cell phone, or the phone charger for your car.
• Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed garage space. Make sure your exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud. Deadly carbon monoxide gas can build up inside the vehicle.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
• Do not use cruise control on slippery surfaces (ice, snow, wet ground).
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Know the breaking system of the car. Standard brakes can be pumped, antilock brakes require steady pressure.
• Drive slow, giving yourself time to maneuver. Maintain a safe following distance in traffic.
• Bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads freeze first.

If traveling long distance, make sure your car is in top operating condition and watch weather reports prior to leaving. If possible, avoid isolated roads. Let others know your destination, route, estimated time of arrival and call when you safely arrive.
If you become snowbound, stay in your vehicle. This increases your chances of survival and rescue. Run the engine and heater long enough to take the chill out, use whatever you can to insulate your body (floor mats, maps, newspapers), tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna to signal distress and use your flashlight at night to help rescuers find you.
Finally, do not underestimate the power of Mother Nature during the winter months. If you really don’t have to go out, hunker down at home. It’s safe and warm, and you can admire the beauty of winter through your windows.
SIU Center for Family Medicine, 520 N. Fourth Street in Springfield, cares about your overall health every season. If you need a doctor please call 545-8000 or walk in.
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