5 Tips Every Illinois Driver Needs to Know If You Get Stranded in the Cold

Surviving winter in Illinois requires a certain set of skills, and many of them involve driving. If the next snow or ice storm leaves you stranded on the side of the road, here are 5 things you should do to stay safe.

A Dreaded Illinois Driving Experience

As a lifelong Illinois resident, and a licensed driver for nearly 30 years, I thought I’d seen and driven in it all: blizzards, black ice, and snowbanks taller than my kids. But this morning, I joined a new club I never wanted to be a part of;  the “I got a flat tire in winter” club.

After my initial panic, (and a few choice words for the universe), I realized I have never changed a tire before, I'm not sure my van has a spare, it's pitch black outside, I'm parked in front of a stranger's house, and now I am late for work. What should I do?

Long story short, I made some quick phone calls, my work partner Sweet Lenny saved my life (aka, he picked me up and brought me to work), and my dad taught me how to change a tire. (over 30 years late, LOL!)

While my flat tire experience could have been way worse, it was a jarring reminder that it's important to be prepared for winter driving, (and why it's important to know how to change a tire).

Winter Driving Safety Tips

If you  find yourself stranded on the side of the road this winter, especially during a snowstorm, please remember these 5 important tips from the National Weather Service to help keep you safe;

1. Stay In Your Vehicle! 

2.  Run the motor for about 10 minutes each hour for heat, and make sure to roll down the window a bit to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Also make sure no snow or ice is clogging your exhaust pipe.

3. If you're stuck at night, turn on the dome light while the engine is running so other drivers can see you. 

4. Tie a bright colored cloth, (preferably red), to your car's antenna or door handle to alert police you need assistance.

5. If it stops snowing, raise your the engine hood to alert others that you need help.