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| Winter Wonderland! Only if you are Prepared. |
Recently it was reported that in the height of heavy snow conditions, motorists travelling along a motorway were brought to a halt as a result of accidents caused by the adverse weather conditions, and that they were trapped in their vehicles for more than eight hours. Just think about that for a minute. If you or I were one of those people how well might we have coped?
I may have done fairly well because before starting a journey, no matter how short, I usually think ahead and prepare. For instance there are at least four things that I always carry: they are, (1) a first-aid kit; (2) a blanket that is well wrapped in a plastic bag; (3) a sleeping bag; and (4) and an extra pair of eye glasses.
The first is in case a passenger or myself should become injured, either as a result of an accident in the car or on foot, or in case I come upon a situation that requires first aid, I will be ready.
The second is partly for the same reasons as first aid, to keep the person warm, but it can also be used if I am trapped in the snow. The fourth is demanded by law, but is also a very good idea.
The most important is the sleeping bag in the Winter. Once you turn the motor off the car loses heat very rapidly. I cannot think of anything more uncomfortable than being stuck on the open road in the dead of Winter, far removed from buildings for an extended period of time without any way to keep yourself warm. Proper planning is so essential, especially when carrying children as passengers. A sleeping bag, preferably one for each person would be thought of as more valuable than diamonds under such circumstances.
In the Summer I add a six pack of water. Then there is the matter of food. Summer or Winter, when I am setting off on one of my normal runs I don't give a thought to food because, although I habitually travel along the autovia, I am never very far from civilization where I can walk to some place to get sustenance. However, if I intend a journey that takes me out of that comfort zone, then I have to sit myself down and do a full contingency plan. That includes packing food and drink, including hot drinks to be carried in a thermos.
One of those contingencies to think about is the fact that whether you get stuck in the elevator or on the road, the first thing to occur to everybody is, I have to answer the call of nature. How should you plan to deal with this problem? At night matters are made a little easier because of the blanket of darkness. During the day, in the openness of the countryside, and the fencing that does not allow you to wander off over the hill, a real problem is presented, especially for women.
I suggest the following: First the blanket is brought into play. Open both the front and passenger doors and drape the blanket to provide a sort of tent. Men or women can then sit on the car door step, but keeping in mind that flesh will stick to bare metal when freezing. Then you can answer the call and make yourself comfortable without embarrassing yourself or those next door.
Everyone I know thinks I am a worry wart. Frankly, I think they may be right. However, there have been those times when I was the only one who was right, so I will continue to think and do what I believe is the right thing.
As always I wish you safe driving, and be prepared. One reason I insist on being prepared is because my family crest, the Carmichael crest reads "Toujour Prest" which I understand mean Always Ready.
Isn't that nice?
Copyright (c) 2013 Eugene Carmichael
