Watch CBS News

Safety Tips For Driving In The Snow

CHICAGO (WBBM) -- The warning comes too late for the drivers who were stranded for hours on end on snowy Indiana roads.

However, WBBM's Regine Schlesinger reports, experts say there are precautions you should take when heading out in wintry weather.

Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for the AAA Chicago Motor Club, says the first thing is to take the warnings seriously.

LISTEN: Newsradio 780's Regine Schlesigner Reports

Podcast

"Listen to the advisories ... on whether or not you should drive,'' she said. "If you do not have to drive, by all means, stay home."

If you do have to drive, she says, make sure you're prepared for the worst by packing an emergency kit in your car.

"It needs to include a cell phone for emergency purposes, and then all of the warm gear - boots, hats, gloves, blankets and of course, a flashlight, reflective triangles and jumper cables," she said.

Also if your gas tank is half empty, make sure you fill it immediately. Don't wait until it gets even lower because by then, it might be too late.

If there's a forecast of bad weather, she says, you also should pack food and water since you never know how long you might be stuck on the road.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.