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News Release

KSP Offers Winter Driving Tips

Date of News Release: 12/07/2005

With winter weather upon us, here are some driving tips to follow:

• Be Cautious About Travel
• Listen for radio or television reports of travel advisories issued by the National Weather Service.
• Avoid traveling on ice-covered roads if at all possible.
• If you must travel, let someone know your destination and when you expect to arrive. Ask them to notify authorities if you are late.
• Check and restock the winter emergency supplies in your car before you leave.
• Never pour water on your windshield to remove ice or snow; shattering may occur.
• Never rely on your car to provide sufficient heat; the car may break down.
• Always dress warmly.
• Always carry clothing appropriate for winter conditions.

What To Do If You Get Stranded

• Staying in your vehicle when stranded is often the safest choice if winter storms create poor visibility or if roadways are ice-covered. These steps will increase your safety when stranded:
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna as a signal to rescuers.
• Move anything you need from the trunk into the passenger area.
• Wrap your entire body, including your head, in extra clothing, blankets, or newspapers.
• Stay awake. You will be less vulnerable to cold-related health problems.
• Run the motor (and heater) for about 10 minutes per hour, opening one window slightly to let air in. Make sure that snow is not blocking the exhaust pipe-this will reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
• As you sit, keep moving your arms and legs to improve your circulation and stay warmer.
• Do not eat un-melted snow it will lower your body temperature.

Prepare Your Vehicle For Winter

• You can avoid many dangerous winter travel problems by planning ahead. Have maintenance service on your vehicle as often as the manufacturer recommends.
• Have the radiator system serviced, or check the antifreeze level yourself with an antifreeze tester. Add antifreeze, as needed.
• Replace windshield-wiper fluid with a wintertime mixture.
• Replace any worn tires, and check the air pressure in the tires.
• During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Winter Survival Kit For Your Vehicle:

Equip your vehicle with these items:

• Cell phone and charger
• Blankets
• First-aid kit
• A can and waterproof matches (to melt snow for water)
• Windshield scraper
• Booster cables
• Road maps
• Compass
• Tool kit
• Paper towels
• Bag of sand or cat litter (to pour on ice or snow for added traction)
• Tire chains (in areas with heavy snow)
• Collapsible shovel
• High-calorie canned or dried foods and a can opener
• Flashlight and extra batteries
• Canned compressed air with sealant (for emergency tire repair)
• Brightly colored cloth

Road Condition Phone Numbers

For road conditions in your area, you may contact the following numbers:

• Kentucky dial 511 and listen to the prompts
• Missouri 1-800-222-6400
• Illinois 1-800-452-4368
• Indiana 1-800-261-7623
• Tennessee 1-800-342-3258

The Kentucky State Police request that you call the numbers listed above to find out road conditions.

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