Eye On the Sky
By Emergency Management Director Bob Hill
11-13-2026
With the holiday season quickly approaching, I want to pass along some tips to assist you in getting you and your family safely to wherever you may be venturing this holiday season.
This week’s tips are being taken from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Preparing Your Vehicle
Lights
Check your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers, and interior lights. Be sure to also check your trailer brake lights and turn signals, if necessary.
Windshield Wipers
You can quickly go through a lot of windshield wiper fluid in a single snowstorm. Make sure your vehicle’s reservoir is full of high-quality “winter” fluid with deicer before winter weather hits. Make sure defrosters and all windshield wipers work and replace any worn blades. Consider installing heavy-duty winter wipers if you live in an area that gets a lot of snow and ice.
Before You Go
Stock Your Vehicle
Carry items in your vehicle to handle common winter driving-related tasks, and supplies you might need in an emergency, including:
• a snow shovel, broom, and ice scraper,
• abrasive material (sand or kitty litter), in case your vehicle gets stuck in the snow;
• jumper cables, flashlight, and warning devices (flares and emergency markers);
• first aid kit, including tourniquet;
• blankets for protection from the cold; and
• a cell phone and charger, water, food, and any necessary medicine.
Gas Up or Plug It In
Keep your gas tank close to full whenever possible.
Similarly, in the case of electric and hybrid-electric vehicles, it is important to keep your battery charged and to also minimize the drain on the battery. In general, batteries with liquid electrolytes have reduced energy storage and delivery capabilities at lower temperatures, which is why most all vehicle batteries use battery power for self-heating in low temperatures. The battery drain due to heating can be minimized by keeping your electric vehicle as warm as possible during freezing temperatures. A common way to do this is plugging your vehicle in at night during the winter – keeping the battery in its optimal temperature ranges.
Plan Your Route
Check your local weather and traffic reports before heading out. If your roads are not in good shape, consider postponing non-essential travel until the roads are cleared. If you do have to go out, make sure you are prepared in case you become delayed while traveling. If making a long road trip when winter weather is forecasted, consider leaving early or changing your departure to avoid being on the roads during the worst of the storm.
Familiarize yourself with directions and maps before you go—even if you use a GPS—and let others know your route and anticipated arrival time. On longer trips, plan enough time to stop to stretch, get something to eat, check your phone, and change drivers or rest if you feel drowsy.
Driving in Winter Weather
The Basics
Slow down: It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. In fact, in 2024, an estimated 131,698 police-reported traffic crashes occurred during snow/sleet conditions. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you.
Give snowplows room: Avoid crowding or traveling directly beside a plow. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you decide to pass.
A word of caution when driving. If they close a major road, such as an Interstate or U.S. or State Highway, expect the lesser-traveled roads to be in just as bad shape.
What to Do in an Emergency
If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings.
• Stay with your vehicle: Don’t overexert yourself.
• Make your car visible: Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on.
• Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning: Clear any snow from your exhaust pipe and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
Changes You May Notice
Car Seats
In colder weather, parents typically dress their children in winter coats. But it’s important to know that heavy coats can interfere with the proper harness fit on a child in a car seat. When your child will be secured in a car seat, pick thin, warm layers, and place blankets or coats around your child after the harness is snug and secure for extra warmth.
Car Seats and Booster Seats: Install car seats correctly so that all children riding with you are in the appropriate seat for their age and size. See NHTSA’s child passenger safety recommendations to find the right seat for your child’s age and size.
Car Seat Inspection: Visit NHTSA’s Child Car Seat Inspection Station Locator to find a free car seat inspection station near you or to get information on virtual inspection options.
Batteries
When the temperature drops, so does battery power. In cold weather, gasoline and diesel engines take more battery power to start, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles’ driving range can be reduced. Have a mechanic check your battery, charging system, belts, and for any other needed repairs or replacements.
Safety Technologies
Familiarize yourself with the safety technologies on your vehicle and how they perform in wintry conditions. Know whether your vehicle has an antilock brake system and learn how to use it properly. Antilock brake systems prevent your wheels from locking up during braking. If you have antilock brakes, apply firm, continuous pressure to the brake pedal. If you don’t have antilock brakes, you may need to pump your brakes if you feel your wheels starting to lock up.
As always, Keep an Eye on the Sky.
— Bob the EM
