If you’re going away for the winter holidays this year, or just have to drive a fair amount in the winter, there are certain precautions to be taken while driving on icy roads, regardless of whether you are an expert and accomplished driver or a novice.

Driving on snowy and/or icy roads is only possible when you are in firm control of your vehicle. But even then, it can take just one simple mistake to lose control of your car and have an accident, with potentially serious consequences.

Even though the wheels of your vehicle have special tread patterns engraved in them to allow the tire to keep a firm grip on asphalt roads, this is not always the case during a winter storm where snow and underlying ice, particularly black ice, can make for hazardous driving conditions.

If or when applying the brakes, the car, instead of gripping the surface of the snow-covered ice and coming to a halt, can skid. The slippery surface of the ice-covered street does not allow for friction which causes the car to stop. Be wary, bridges can freeze at a different rate than roads, making them even more hazardous.

When planning to drive on snow-covered streets and roads, it is important to:

* Change the regular tires to snow tires and/or utilize chains on them as an extra safety measure. And, ensure the tires are properly inflated according to the manufacturer’s instructions for winter driving. Also, check and be sure there are no bald spots on them.

* Drive the car slowly. Maintain an appropriate distance from the car in front of you so that if you do skid, you will be able to stop your car before hitting the other.

* If snow is falling when you are driving, it can restrict your visibility. This is why it is so important that you change the windshield wipers regularly. Use the heating system in the car, but keep a window open slightly to prevent the windows from fogging up inside. A helpful tip is to mix a little bit of anti-freeze in with the windshield cleaner fluid. Also, carry a bottle of warm water with you to help keep the shield free of freezing salt and spray flying up and sticking to it from the cars and trucks in front of you.

* Use extra caution when you are changing lanes or making turns. Signal well in advance of the turn so that the car behind you has adequate time to adjust their speed. Avoid any sudden or hasty movements or braking.

* If your brakes give out and go flat to the floor board, pump them back up to a firm and taut state. However, do not attempt to pump the brakes if your car is equipped with anti-lock brakes.

* If you should begin skidding, turn the wheel towards the direction you are skidding; not against it. Although the sudden onset of instinct will be to turn away from the direction you are skidding, doing so can send your car into a tail-spin, possibly causing you to loose complete control of it.

* If the roads you are planning to take are particularly icy, try to take a different route. Avoid hilly streets, or snow-covered ones if at all possible.

Best of all, always be sure to check the weather forecast before planning any journey, and avoid going out at all if there is a winter weather advisory or watch. These few precautions should help keep you safe on the road if you have to go out in bad weather. Be safe and sensible this winter!

People love to travel to different places during the winter season. Even though these trips are full of fun and adventure, the enjoyment can be spoiled if proper precautions are not taken to protect yourself from the elements.

The weather during the winter season can change quiet drastically within minutes. Heavy snowfalls and blizzards accompanied by gusty winds can “stir-up” with little or no warning, exposing you to the dangers of frostbite, hypothermia, exhaustion, and other cold weather related conditions.

Before you travel to any destination during the winter season, find out the weather forecasts for the duration of your stay. Equipping yourself with a radio in order to listen to updated weather reports is a good idea as well, especially if you are camping in an isolated area.

Wear appropriate clothing during winter trips, be sure to put them on in layers. Avoid synthetic clothes – instead, choose cotton and woolen clothing. Keep extra pairs of gloves on hand as well.

If you are utilizing a vehicle to get to your destinations, make sure that it is in good running order and can endure possible severe weather conditions. Also, ensure that it has a full tank of gas, and have a shovel in the trunk just in case. Invest in a cold weather kit, and also a two-way radio, since cell phones might not catch the tower signals in certain remote areas. In addition, always be sure to have food and water in the car for emergency situations.

I was caught in a blizzard one time in April in Scotland and though we were all right in the end, we were not prepared at all they way we usually are, and it could have gone very badly for us indeed. We had rented a car and never even thought to check for winter preparedness during the Easter holidays!

Bad weather can happen at any time. This can become very dangerous, particularly if out in wilderness areas, so stay with the side of caution and be sure to take all precaution.

You might also want to bring some suitable sleeping bags and blankets. Bring a high-powered LED flashlight along with a pair of extra batteries. It is also a good idea that a long, strong nylon rope along with a safely harness be added; these would be especially important if you plan on hiking or climbing.

A first aid kit is essential in case of an accident or injury. Take a compass and a map of the region, and know what to do in the event of a storm. Pay attention to road signs so you can state where you are in the event you need to make an emergency phone call.

A small camp stove along with quick igniting fuel pellets for warmth and to heat canned food, a large thermos capable of storing a day’s drinking water, hot water for reconstituting dried food for a hot meal/drink and high calorie, non-perishable food like chocolate and trail mix is also advised.

Whether camping, hiking, or engaging in any other outdoor activity during your winter vacation, having the proper implements and being as prepared as possible can make all the difference between an enjoyable experience and a dangerous nightmare.

The American Red Cross FR150 Microlink is a portable device that would make a valuable addition to your emergency preparedness kit in your car, or when you are outdoors. It can be powered by either solar power or hand cranked with the built-in power generator that recharges the internal battery. An AC adapter can also be used, though this is not included and must be purchased separately.

The radio provides a lifeline to the outside world with its high-quality AM/FM tuner bringing you news, entertainment but also important weather forecasts, alerts and emergency information for backpackers and travelers by way of the NOAA Weatherband tuner.

The Microlink also comes with a built-in cell phone charger, a 3.5 mm earphone jack socket and a cell phone charger output jack. It weighs 7.5oz and can easily be packed into your backpack or car or even your jacket pocket.

The Microlink also contains a white 3-LED flashlight for signaling to others that help is needed or to provide you with a light at night and is also handy for when you are out camping.

The radio comes with a registration card that can be mailed back for free cell-phone adapter tips as well. So, all in all, it is a must have and an ideal gift for people who love the great outdoors, or spend a lot of time driving.

To order this useful product, visit Amazon: American Red Cross FR150 Microlink Solar-Powered, Self-Powered AM/FM/Weatherband Portable Radio with Flashlight and Cell Phone Charger