Important Things To Remember If You Get Stranded On Wyoming Roads
Driving during the winter is sometimes a dangerous, scary and intense situation. Especially with Wyoming's wind, snow and long stretches of road without anywhere to stop.
One thing that people think is that their 4 wheel drive makes them invincible and that they can't have an accident. Obviously that isn't the case.
WYDOT, city and county road crews and snow plow drivers, work their tails off every time it snows. That doesn't mean that they're able to keep up with heavy snows, high winds and drifting conditions.
Make sure you check road conditions before you leave, download the Wyoming 511 app and check out the road camera system offered by the state.
We've all heard it from someone, or had the thought, just because that road is closed doesn't mean I can make it.
That's selfish and that attitude is what causes crews to have to stop what they're doing or risk their own lives to save or help you. When crews shut the roads down, they're doing it for your safety, not to be a pain in your butt.
There are many reasons they've closed the roads:
- Slick with ice
- Snow covered
- Windy with blow over possibilities
- Drifting
- Crews working on clearing the road
What happens though, if you get caught in a situation and you become stranded? First off, hopefully you've listened to anyone that's ever told you to have an emergency kit in your car.
Items like:
- Blankets/ Extra Clothing
- Water
- Snacks
- Flashlights/ extra batteries
- First Aid Kit
- Sand/Cat Litter
- Tire Chains
- Tow Rope/ Strap
- Jumper Cables
- Toilet Paper
- Charging Cables
- shovel
God forbid that you do become stranded, here are important steps you need to take to remain safe.
- Stay with your vehicle
- getting out and trying to walk could disorient you
- Run the motor for 10 minute increments each hour for heat
- Keep windows open a bit while running car to keep fresh air flowing
- Clear your tailpipe to avoid toxic fumes
- Be careful to not run down battery when the vehicle isn't running, by using accessories and lights
- Keep your vehicle visible to by passers
- use reflective tape, signs or flares
- tie a bright colored flag, t-shirt, towel to your antenna or door handle to signal help
- raise your hood when the weather clears to show signs of needing help
- Stay warm
- using blankets, coats or extra clothing
- never use a portable heating unit inside your vehicle
- if you're with other people, share body heat
- Ration supplies
- food and water supplies can quickly go away if you don't use caution
Hopefully you won't have to worry about a situation like this, but if so...be prepared.