The 95-car chain collision on the highway in Kazakhstan has sounded the alarm for us. In blizzard weather, factors such as icy roads and reduced visibility pose a great threat to driving safety. In order to ensure their own safety, drivers need to understand and take a series of effective protective measures and a list of necessary protective materials.
I. Vehicle protection measures
1 Install anti-skid chains: In blizzard weather, the road surface is icy and slippery, and anti-skid chains can effectively increase the friction between the tires and the ground. It is installed on the tires to prevent the vehicle from slipping when driving on the snow. For example, on roads with deep snow, anti-skid chains can keep the vehicle in a stable driving state and reduce the risk of accidents caused by tire slippage.
2 Check tire pressure: Cold weather will reduce tire pressure, so check tire pressure regularly. Insufficient air pressure will affect the grip and handling of the tires, increase the risk of tire wear and tire blowout. Before the blizzard arrives, adjust the tire pressure to the appropriate value to ensure that the tires can work properly.
3 Keep the vehicle clean: In blizzard weather, the surface of the vehicle is prone to snow and ice. Clean the vehicle’s windshield, rearview mirrors and windows in time to maintain a good line of sight. At the same time, clean the vehicle’s lights and wipers to ensure their normal operation. During driving, you can also check the vehicle’s cooling system regularly to prevent poor heat dissipation due to snow cover.
II. Driving safety strategy
1 Control the speed: In blizzard weather, the speed should be kept slow. According to the road conditions and visibility, the speed should be adjusted reasonably. For example, in the case of low visibility, the speed should be controlled within 30 kilometers per hour. Avoid sudden braking and acceleration to prevent the vehicle from losing control.
2 Keep a safe distance: Keep a sufficient safe distance from the vehicle in front. Since the braking distance of the vehicle increases in blizzard weather, the following distance should be increased. Generally speaking, when driving in snowy weather, the distance between vehicles should be 2-3 times that in normal weather. This can avoid rear-end collisions caused by sudden braking or skidding of the vehicle in front.
3 Avoid fatigue driving: In blizzard weather, driving becomes more difficult and easy to get tired. Drivers should arrange rest time reasonably and avoid long-term continuous driving. When feeling tired, stop and rest in time to ensure that you are energetic.
4 Pay attention to road conditions: During driving, always pay attention to road conditions. Ice and snow on the road will affect the driving stability of the vehicle. When the road is icy, drive slowly and avoid sudden braking and sharp turns. At the same time, pay attention to other vehicles and pedestrians on the road and avoid them in time.
III. Emergency measures
1 Prepare emergency supplies: In blizzard weather, vehicles should be equipped with emergency supplies such as first aid kits, flashlights, anti-skid mats, blankets, etc. These supplies can provide help when the vehicle encounters an emergency. For example, when the vehicle breaks down or is trapped, the first aid kit can be used to treat wounds, the flashlight can provide lighting, and the anti-skid mat can help the vehicle get out of trouble.
2 Keep communication open: The driver should keep mobile phones and other communication equipment open. In case of emergency, call the rescue phone in time. At the same time, pay attention to the information released by the transportation department to understand the road conditions and rescue progress.
3 Seek rescue: If the vehicle breaks down or is trapped, seek rescue in time. You can call the local rescue phone or ask for help from surrounding vehicles and pedestrians. While waiting for rescue, stay calm and take necessary measures to protect yourself and the vehicle.
IV. List of protective supplies
Protective supplies for driving safety in snowstorms
Vehicle external protective supplies
Anti-skid chains: This is a key protective item for driving in snowstorms. Anti-skid chains are installed on vehicle tires, which can greatly increase the friction between tires and icy roads. On roads with heavy snow or ice, anti-skid chains can effectively prevent vehicles from slipping and sliding, allowing vehicles to maintain good maneuverability. It is generally made of metal chains or high-strength plastics and has different sizes to fit various vehicle tires.
Glass defrost: In snowstorms, car windows are prone to fogging and frosting, affecting the driver’s vision. Glass defrost can quickly and effectively remove frost and fog on car windows. When using, spray the defrost on the glass surface and then wipe it with a clean cloth to keep the glass clear so that the driver can clearly see the situation outside the car.
Snow shovel: A small snow shovel placed on the car is used to clear snow around the vehicle. When the vehicle is buried in snow or the windows and lights are covered with snow, the snow shovel can come in handy. It can help the driver to clear the snow in time, ensure the normal start and driving of the vehicle, and ensure that key components such as lights can work normally, so that the vehicle can be easily identified by other vehicles and pedestrians during driving.
Driver’s personal protective equipment
Warm clothing set: including thermal underwear, thick sweaters, down jackets, etc. In the cold blizzard environment, the driver needs to keep the body warm so that he can better concentrate on driving. Thermal underwear can keep the body temperature close to the body, and thick sweaters and down jackets provide an additional layer of warmth. In addition, warm gloves and warm shoes should be equipped. The gloves should ensure the flexibility of the fingers to facilitate the operation of the steering wheel, shifting gears, etc.; warm shoes can prevent the driver’s feet from freezing and keep the blood circulation smooth.
Cold hats and scarves: The head and neck are important parts of the human body where heat is lost. Cold hats can reduce the loss of heat from the head, and scarves can protect the neck from the cold wind. When choosing a hat, it is best to choose a style that can cover the ears to provide a more comprehensive warming effect.
Goggles or sunglasses: In blizzard weather, flying snowflakes may affect the driver’s vision, and the strong light reflected by the sun on the snow (snow blindness) can also cause damage to the eyes. Goggles or sunglasses with anti-fog and anti-glare functions can effectively protect the driver’s eyes, allowing the driver to see the road conditions clearly and reduce eye fatigue.
Emergency lighting equipment: In the case of traffic congestion or vehicle failure caused by blizzards, emergency lighting equipment such as portable flashlights or headlights can provide lighting. This helps the driver to check the surrounding conditions of the vehicle, check the vehicle failure, or illuminate the road when he needs to leave the vehicle to ensure personal safety.
Car emergency kit: It should contain first aid supplies such as Band-Aids, disinfected cotton balls, bandages, etc. to deal with possible minor injuries; at the same time, there should also be anti-skid mats, tow ropes, wires and other tools for vehicle self-rescue or assisting other vehicles. In the event of an emergency or vehicle failure, these items can play an important role in helping the driver to ensure his own safety while waiting for rescue.
In short, driving safety in blizzards is crucial. Drivers should understand the characteristics of blizzard weather, take effective protective measures, reserve necessary protective materials, and ensure driving safety. At the same time, pay attention to weather changes, adjust driving plans in time, and avoid accidents. I hope that drivers can travel safely in blizzard weather and protect the lives and property of themselves and others.
About us: Superpangol, let the world be less hurt!
Superpangol is a professional, efficient and caring team of disaster solution experts, dedicated to providing people with all-round rescue and help in various global disasters and emergencies. With rich experience, professional skills and advanced equipment, we always rush to the front line of disaster prevention and relief, work together with the affected people to overcome difficulties, strive to minimize the losses caused by disasters, protect people’s lives and property, and rebuild a beautiful home. We always escort the safety of the people! With professional ability and sincere heart, face the challenges of disasters and practice the solemn promise of “Super Pangolin, let the world be less hurt”. If you need to solve the protection problems and necessities, please contact us in time!
