Long trips, Kansas winters, summer heat and severe storms each need preparation. Plan your route and driving limits, keep an emergency kit in the car, and know where to take cover when weather turns dangerous.
Cutting driving costs and trips:
- Take public transportation when it's available
- Avoid driving during heavy traffic
- Use carpools or share rides
- Plan and combine trips; call ahead so what you need is ready
Trip planning numbers
| Item | Guideline |
|---|---|
| Average on major highways | 100 to 110 miles every two hours |
| Breaks | 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours; 1 hour for meals |
| One driver | 6 to 8 hours of driving a day, at most |
| Two or more drivers | No more than 10 to 11 hours total |
| After dark | Avoid, particularly after 11 p.m. |
Take on every trip:
- An extra set of keys
- Insurance information
- Money for expected and unexpected expenses
- The vehicle owner's manual
- Maps of local areas
Know the rule
Before winter, make sure your vehicle is in good condition with good snow tires, put on before the first snowfall. On front-wheel-drive vehicles, put snow or all-season tires on all four wheels.
Handbook p. 109 ↗Only period studded snow tires are legal
Handbook p. 109 ↗Know the rule
In ice or snowstorms, drive only if absolutely necessary. Clear ice and snow from all windows, lights and wipers, drive slowly, and remember bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first.
Handbook p. 109 ↗Winter survival kit (keep it in the car, restock after use):
- Properly inflated spare tire, shovel, jumper cables, tow and tire chains
- Bag of salt or sand and a tool kit
- Working flashlight, extra batteries, reflective triangles and brightly colored cloth
- Compass, first aid kit, exterior windshield cleaner, ice scraper and snow brush
- Matches in a waterproof container, blankets, woolen gloves, socks and a hat
- Water and energy foods: unsalted canned nuts, dried fruits, hard candy
If stranded in cold weather, stay with your vehicle and:
- Turn on your hazard warning lights
- Light two flares, one at each end of the vehicle a safe distance away; hang a bright cloth
- Keep the exhaust pipe clear of snow and debris
- Run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour, then turn it off
- Keep at least one window partly open to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
- Keep at least one person awake; use wool items and blankets against frostbite
Know the rule
Very hot weather: inspect tires every two hours or every 100 miles and don't let air out as pressure rises. Watch oil and coolant temperatures, beware slippery 'bleeding' tar, and drive slow enough to prevent overheating.
Handbook p. 110 ↗Know the rule
Tornado: leave the vehicle for sturdy shelter or drive out of the tornado's path. Don't shelter under bridges or overpasses, where winds are stronger (wind tunnel effect).
Handbook p. 110 ↗Know the rule
Lightning: only a hard-topped vehicle protects you. Close doors and windows, don't touch metal surfaces or use radios with an external antenna. A well-built building is safest.
Handbook p. 110 ↗Know the rule
Sinking in floodwater: if you can't open a door or window, find the air pocket near the highest part of the vehicle. If a side window won't open, take a breath and kick it out, go back for one more breath, then escape.
Handbook p. 110 ↗Put it into practice
A blizzard strands you on a rural highway. Stay with the car, turn on your hazards, clear snow from the exhaust pipe, run the engine and heater about 10 minutes each hour, and crack a window for fresh air.