Winter Driving Tips: Easier and Safer Winter Road Trips

For road travelers, winter can also be the most dangerous time of year. Motor vehicle accidents involving bad weather, mostly ice and snow, claim the lives of 6,000 Americans and injure 500,000 more every year (National Center for Atmospheric Research, 2005). The following winter driving tips will help you stay safe and a little less anxious on your next trip.

Have your car examined before you leave. This is one of the most crucial winter driving tips. It's the climatic scene of many movies, where someone's car breaks down in a strange town. The last thing you want to worry about is your car falling apart, leaving you stranded far away from home. Take it to your local auto shop for a quick once over, and make sure your tires are winter ready and properly inflated.

Be prepared for a change in course. Before you depart, become confident in knowing your route. It's very important that you're ready for anything on the road that could slightly change your plans, including construction, road closings and traffic hurdles. Remember to keep the directions as well as appropriate state map(s) handy, in case you need to reroute your trip.

Stay hydrated for the journey. It probably seems like dehydration isn't very likely, but a recent Mayo Clinic study shows that a mere one- to two-percent loss of body weight can quickly lead to fatigue and decreased alertness, which could be deadly in icy winter driving. Also, your body requires more fuel in the cold — so rely on high-energy food including sandwiches, a thermos filled with soup and fruit.

Pack a winter safety kit for the car. Don't leave without the essentials for a safe road trip — a cell phone (don't forget the car charger); ice scraper; tow rope and jumper cables; sand or cat litter to aid with traction; blankets; flashlights, matches and emergency candles; first aid kit; portable radio; and a good book, in case you do get stuck.

Make frequent rest stops. Winter driving is much more fatiguing than in the summer, so you'll want to make time to stop and stretch your legs. Just a few minutes off the road will make all the difference in improving your alertness when you're back behind the wheel.

Source: www.travelsense.org

INFORMATION ABOUT TEMPORARY FOOD PERMIT APPLICATIONS
Are you planning a one-time event where food will be sold? Did you know that an application is required? Click to access the application and other applications/forms or call the Environmental Health Division at 410-546-4446 for additional information.

STATE HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PROCESS(SHIP)

TRI-COUNTY HEALTH IMPROVEMENT (T-CHIP)

LOCAL HEALTH IMPROVEMENT
WICOMICO COUNTY HEALTH PLANNING BOARD
Meetings held: 1st Friday of every month
Location: 108 East Main Street Salisbury, MD 21801 Pinto Conference Room
Time: 9:00am

MENTAL HEALTH PLANNING Sub-Committee
Meetings to be held 12/6/11, 2/7/12 and then 1st Tuesday of the month.
Location: 108 East Main Street Salisbury, MD 21801 Pinto Conference Room
Time: 2:30pm
Meetings are open to the public.

DIABETES PLANNING Sub-Committee
Meetings to be held 1/26/12 and then 4th Thursdays of the month
tWicomLocatLLocation: 108 East Main Street Salisbury, MD 21801/Pinto Conference Room
Time: 2:30pm
Meetings are open to the public.

WICOMICO EXECUTIVE FITNESS COUNCIL
Meetings are held the1st Tuesday of every month
Location: Wicomico Government Building, 3rd Floor
Time: 9:00am
Website - Click here