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AAA Offers Tips for Holiday Winter Emergencies

15 December 1997

AAA Offers Tips for Holiday Winter Emergencies

    SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 15 -- Even the best maintained vehicles
can fall victim to frigid winter weather, according to AAA.
    "Cold weather can quickly turn an inconvenient breakdown into a
life-threatening situation," said Ron Kennedy, a AAA Northern California
spokesman.
    AAA recommends that motorists carry the following items to ensure safe
winter travel:

    * Flashlight -- A working flashlight should be stored where the driver can
have access to it without leaving the car.  Always store extra batteries.
    * Jumper cables -- Jumper cables can be essential for starting a vehicle
with a weak or dead battery.  They should, however, only be used by
individuals familiar with the proper safety precautions.  Check the vehicle
owner's manual for proper use.
    * Abrasive material -- Sand or non-clumping cat litter can be spread under
the wheels to improve traction when a vehicle becomes stuck in snow or ice.
Special traction mats and even floor mats can also be used for this purpose.
    * Warning devices -- Carry flares or reflective triangles to alert other
motorists that you are broken down or temporarily stalled.  This will also
give them time to slow down to pass safely.
    * Blankets -- Always carry blankets when traveling through cold regions.
If your vehicle's heater is inoperative, blankets can provide valuable
protection against cold weather until help arrives.
    * Snow brush/ice scraper -- Before departure, brush or scrape all windows
to maintain adequate visibility.  The entire vehicle should be brushed clear
so that blowing snow does not become a hazard for other motorists.

    The AAA affiliate for Northern California, Nevada and Utah serves nearly
four million members with an array of automotive, travel and insurance
services.

SOURCE  AAA