Dear Parents,
Are you at a loss about what to get your student for the holidays? Check out what winter emergency repair items are missing or need to be replaced in the student's car trunk. Her or his car should have:
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A properly inflated spare tire, wheel wrench, and tripod-type jack
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A small shovel for digging out of snow
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Jumper cables
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Tire chains and towing chains
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A bag of salt or cat litter
In addition to these items, you can buy some stocking stuffers or, better still, create an emergency car kit. You can place some of the following kit items in an inexpensive plastic storage container:
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Working flashlight and extra batteries or a wind-up battery-free flashlight
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Tool kit
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First aid kit
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Exterior windshield cleaner
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Ice scraper and snow brush
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Wooden stick matches in a waterproof container
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Non-perishable, high-energy foods like unsalted canned nuts and dried fruits.
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Blankets
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Winter gloves and hats
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Extra drinking water
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3 compact safety triangles
- Reflective vest
Many of our younger students are novices to driving in winter conditions. If your NAU student is driving home for the holidays, consider sharing these tips with your son or daughter.
Get your vehicle in top form. Before they leave Flagstaff, have the car’s vitals checked: brakes, battery, fluid levels, heater and defroster, tire pressure, light bulbs, new wiper blades, radiator check and any parts that need regular maintenance. Wear a seat belt, always. Seat belts provide impact protection, absorb crash forces and keep you from being thrown out of the vehicle. Get plenty of rest before the long trip home after finals. Driving while drowsy is as hazardous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Avoid alcohol or other drugs that impair driving ability. Clean all windows and outside mirrors free of frost, ice or snow.
Flagstaff is prone to having severe winter weather from December through April. Here are more tips if your student will be driving on icy roads:
- Decrease speed and leave plenty of room to stop.
- Allow at least three times more space than usual between vehicles.
- Use lower gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
- Don't use cruise control or overdrive.
- Turn on lights to increase visibility to other motorists.
Also, if she or he is planning to drive home for the holidays at night:
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Reduce speed at night: Black ice is difficult to see and is quite common on Flagstaff's city streets and the interstate highways on the Mogollon Rim.
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Keep headlights, tail lights, signal lights and windows (inside and out) clean.
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Have headlights properly aimed. Improperly aimed headlights blind other drivers and reduce the ability to see the road.
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If an oncoming vehicle doesn't lower beams from high to low, avoid glare by watching the right edge of the road and using it as a steering guide.
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Make frequent stops for light snacks and exercise. If fatigued, stop and get rest.
For more winter driving tips, check out:
Enjoy safe driving and happy holidays,
The Fronske Health Center Staff
