Northern Wyoming News - Serving the Big Horn Basin for over 100 years

WORLAND – During the winter months the weather can be unpredictable. It can be a beautiful sunny day one moment and the next moment the snow is falling fast and furious. Due to the unpredictability of the weather there are measures that should be taken to protect yourself and your loved ones. The Wyoming Highway Patrol cautions that the weather can change in an instant and you need to be prepared for the worst.

Winterize your vehicle

To avoid having vehicle problems which could put you, your family and others in danger, winterizing your vehicle should be top priority. "Have your vehicle gone over to make sure it's in good shape," Big Horn Basin Tire owner Mel Walker said. "Have your battery, your lights, your heater, your coolant, the air in your tires and your brakes checked. Make sure your tires are in good shape with no cracks," he added.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol recommends before driving to make sure that you clean off all windows and make sure all frost is off all windows. Cleaning off a small spot so you can see is not enough. While driving, keep tail lights and headlights on and clear of snow and ice and to fill your vehicle as often as you can, and don't wait till it is empty before you fill the tank.

Emergencies can happen when you least expect them, so be sure to carry a winter survival kit in your vehicle.

Winter survival kit

A driver never knows when they might end up in a situation where they are stuck in their vehicle for an extended length of time. To make sure that all occupants of the vehicle remain safe until help arrives a winter survival kit is required.

"Make sure you have water, blankets, food and some source of light in your vehicle," Wyoming Highway Patrol Lieutenant Karl Germain stated.

"Definitely have extra blankets, bottled water, some snacks, a warm coat, first aid kit, toilet paper and make sure you have a charger for your cell phone so you can keep that up and running," Washakie County Sheriff's Office Captain Richard Fernandez said.

The complete list of items that should be in your winter survival kit, according to dmv.org, "Flares, blankets, boots, radio, engine oil, washer fluid, coolant, flashlight, shovel, windshield scraper, extra batteries, water, snack food, matches, extra hats, socks and mittens, first aid kit with a pocket knife, rope, booster cables and a fluorescent distress flag."

"Make sure you have enough supplies to last a couple days," Fernandez said.

Driving in inclement weather

"What people should keep in mind is to always check the weather reports before going anywhere. If it says no unnecessary travel, people should decide if it's really necessary to be on the roads, but if you do choose to go out there and something does happen, stay with your vehicle," Fernandez stated.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol recommends:

-Always wear a seat belt.

-Slow down (20 to 30 mph slower than posted speed and sometimes even slower).

-Don't pump anti-lock brakes, just apply pressure gradually.

-Pump regular brake systems when slowing down or coming to a stop.

-Leave about 5 to 6 car lengths between you and the car ahead of you.

-Leave a half hour to an hour earlier than normal.

-When the vehicle starts to slide, steer slowly to gain control and take your foot off the accelerator. Do not overcorrect. Your worst enemy is your natural reflexes.

-Know where you are located. Watch for milepost while traveling. This will allow you to inform authorities of you approximate location if your vehicle becomes disabled.

-Never assume the conditions you are driving on now will stay the same. It may improve or worsen as time goes by.

"The best tip I can give someone is that if you really shouldn't be out on the roads, don't, and don't over drive your ability while you are out there. Go ahead and go slower, if you take your time you're probably not going to end up leaving the road," Fernandez said. "If you do go off the road and you do call in, try to remember what highway you are on and try to keep in mind what mile post you are at," he added.

If Stranded

Unpredictable winter weather can and does cause people to become stuck, go off the road or create conditions where continuing on is not safe. If you find yourself in a situation where you are stranded, wait with your vehicle until help arrives. "Stay in your vehicle and let the first responders come to you," Germain said.

While waiting for help to arrive there are some safety measures that should be taken to make sure the vehicle occupants remain safe.

The Wyoming Highway Patrol advises:

-Stay calm; panicking is your worst enemy. Help will find you. Stay with your car.

-Call for help, the only way the WHP can come find you is if you know about where you are.

-Crack windows occasionally to keep windows from freezing shut.

-Don't fall asleep.

-Keep vehicle running to stay warm.

-Make sure tail pipe is clear of snow. Clear it at least every half hour.

-When you see a vehicle pass, flash headlights at them (let them know something is wrong).

-Don't consume alcohol. This will make you sleepy. Falling asleep could kill you.

The roads during the winter can be dangerous and the weather can change from bad to worse in an instant. "There are dangers that drivers come up against, especially with the higher mountain passes that we have around here and the holidays coming up, they might be traveling greater distances, you never know what you could run into, so be prepared and stay safe," Germain said. "Winter weather is a very dangerous foe. If you are not prepared for the worst, it could kill you," he added.