Winter’s Here Travel Safely
By Rowan Beck
January 26, 2012, page19.....

Winter's Here Travel Safely
by Rowan Beck

Lately, The Charlotte News has received more than the usual number of reports of car accidents, near misses and traveling mishaps. I recently forgot some of the simplest cold-weather precautions and ended up in a very unpleasant situation: a flat tire, sub-zero temperatures and three somewhat temperamental little girls in the car without hats, gloves or boots.
Jr Lewis does his best to keep up with the roads, but when there is a lot of snow or ice, driving can be a challenge. Here is my dusted-off list of items to keep in the car this time of year: a blanket, flashlight with new batteries, scraper, tow rope, jumper cables, extra hats, mittens and gloves, first-aid kit, flares, non-perishable snacks, water, and travel games to occupy younger children. A tool kit can come in handy any time of year, as well as pencil and paper just in case it becomes necessary to leave a note on the car.
The Vermont State Police recommend checking road conditions before driving any distance during questionable weather, allowing extra time if the roads are bad, watching for changing road conditions, and making sure one’s vehicle is in good working condition with snow tires and winter wipers. It’s good to check 511vt.org for travel conditions. Just in the past week, Charlotte Volunteer Fire & Rescue Services answered five calls for car accidents, all related to road conditions and speed. It is finally winter in Vermont, and we’ll all be safer if we take extra precautions.