Did this driver adequately prepare for driving this Wonder Lake winter? There's a good chance that the problem they're experiencing could have been avoided with some proper preparation.

Imagine going for a jog one winter day in Wonder Lake except you’ve dressed as though it’s the middle of summer. Those shorts, t-shirt and sneakers might have been enough in July but, even if you have a high tolerance for cold, it may not be a good idea to head out that way in December.

At the very least, you’ll want to check the weather before you leave your Wonder Lake home.

Preparing for a drive in winter is much the same thing; if you’re not prepared, you could wind up in serious trouble.

If you head out jogging in shorts, t-shirt and sneakers when it’s 10-below zero (you might not want to go out jogging at all on a day like that), you could get frostbite and/or hypothermia. If you head out on the road driving on a winter day, or night, and you’re not prepared, you could get into all kinds of trouble.

FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, has taken the time to provide some suggestions for winter driving. Here are the tips they offer:

1. Check the weather. We’ve already discussed this idea. But, as FEMA points out, you could find yourself driving into a blizzard, an ice storm, roads that are closed and, well, they mention “avalanches” but those aren’t a big concern around Wonder Lake.

2. Prepare your vehicle for winter.

• Check antifreeze
• Battery and Ignition
• Brakes
• Tire Pressure
• Exhaust System
• Fuel and Air Filters
• Heater and Defroster
• Lights and Flashing Hazard Lights
• Oil
• Thermostat
• Windshield Wiper Equipment and Washer Fluid Level
• Vehicle Recalls
• Consider Tire Condition and, possibly, Snow Tires

3. “Maintain your vehicle.”

• Ensure the gas tank is full to prevent fuel line freezing
• Ensure headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights are in good operating condition
• If you have an EV, keep your battery charged and minimize drain

4. “Remove Snow and Ice from Your Car.” It’s essential that you can see effectively in order to drive safely. It’s also important that others can see you – i.e., clear snow and ice from all signal lights on the outside or your car.

5. Slow down and give yourself more room to stop. FEMA states that you should increase your following distance from 3-4 seconds to 5-6 seconds

6. “Avoid Sudden Movements.” Try to avoid having to stop, turn or accelerate suddenly. Slower, more deliberate movements are usually safer.

7. “Use Your Headlights.” Headlights help you see and help others to see you.

8. “Know How to Handle a Skid.” First, try not to slam on the brakes, which can cause you to spin out. If you start to skid, take your feet off the pedals and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want to go, though you may need to counter steer. 

9. Have a plan if you become stranded. Bring a sign along to indicate you’re in trouble. Raise the hood. Tie a brightly-colored cloth to the antenna or door. Run the engine for 10-minutes per hour to stay warm.

10. “Keep an Emergency Kit in Your Car.” This should include:

• Jumper cables
• Flares or reflective triangles
• Ice scraper
• Snow shovel
• Cellphone charger
• Blankets
• Map
• Cat litter or sand (for better tire traction)
• Flashlight
• Water

Following these tips can go a long way to ensure that, when you leave your Wonder Lake home this winter, you’ll arrive at your destination, and back home again, safely.