AAA Offers Weathering Tips for the Winter Storm Season

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 22, 2003 -- Since severe weather can be both frightening and dangerous for automobile travel, motorists should know safety rules for dealing with winter road emergencies.

"During AAA's Car Care Month in October, AAA is educating motorists on what to do if they become stranded in their vehicle during a snow or ice storm," said Gary Klopp, Director of AAA Automotive Services. "If your vehicle becomes stuck and you are stranded, don't panic. By remaining calm, a stranded motorist can think more clearly about how to respond to the situation."

AAA recommends the following safety tips for long-distance winter road trips:

   -- Watch weather reports prior to any long-distance drive or before
      driving in isolated areas.  Delay trips when especially bad weather is
      expected.  If you must leave, let others know your route, destination
      and estimated time of arrival.
   -- Always make sure your vehicle is in peak operating condition by having
      it inspected by a qualified service facility.  There are thousands of
      AAA approved shops nationwide and you can find them at www.aaa.com or
      by calling your local AAA club.
   -- Keep at least half a tank of gasoline in your vehicle at all times.
   -- Pack a cellular telephone with the telephone number of your motor
      club.  Also, bring blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any needed
      medication in your vehicle.
   -- If you become snowbound, stay with your vehicle.  It provides
      excellent temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate
      you.  Don't try to walk in a severe storm.  It is easy to loose sight
      of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost.
   -- Don't overexert yourself if you try to push or dig your vehicle out of
      the snow.
   -- Tie a brightly colored cloth to the antenna or place a cloth at the
      top of a rolled up window to signal distress.  At night, keep the dome
      light on if possible.  It only uses a small amount of electricity and
      will make it easier for rescuers to find you.
   -- Make sure the exhaust pipe is not clogged with snow, ice or mud.  A
      blocked exhaust could cause deadly carbon monoxide gas to leak into
      the passenger compartment with the engine running.  For fresh air,
      open a window slightly on the side away from the wind and be sure snow
      or frost does not block ventilation.
   -- Use whatever is available to insulate your body from the cold.  This
      could include floor mats, newspapers or paper maps.
   -- If possible run the engine and heater just long enough to remove the
      chill and to conserve gasoline.

AAA offers automotive, travel, insurance and financial services to more than 45 million members in the United States and Canada. AAA Minnesota/Iowa is part of The Auto Club Group, which has 4.1 million members in eight Midwest states. AAA Minneapolis serves nearly 170,000 members in Hennepin County.