Winter car safety includes 5-1-1 service
Posted 11/27/02

Exposed to the elements, an unprepared person can be killed within minutes by winter weather.

Every winter, hundreds of Minnesotans find themselves stranded on the roadside. Unprepared, a motorist can end up in trouble in a hurry.

Be prepared and take advantage of the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT)ís services.

5-1-1 service

MnDOT has a new source of information for travelers through its 5-1-1 service. "Dial up or log on," is MnDOTís new slogan for the 5-1-1 service.

MnDOT encourages Minnesotans to prepare for travel and check road and weather conditions before they head out onto the road.

Cell phone users can now dial 5-1-1 from anywhere in the state or log on to MnDOTís website at: www.dot.state.mn.us. and click the "511 Traveler Info" icon.

The 5-1-1 service allows you to get information on accidents, driving conditions, weather conditions, road construction, and even commercial vehicle restrictions.

When checking the site on Oct. 30 for east central Minnesota, it showed several places of road maintenance, including Highway 169 northbound after CR 21 and before CR 22. The site showed it was single lane traffic - alternating directions, with a high priority level from 3:05 p.m. until 4:30 p.m.

Survival kits

Assemble a winter survival kit and keep it in your vehicle throughout the winter season.

Kits should include:

ïThree pound coffee can with candles and matches to melt snow for drinking.

ïRed bandanna (to tie to the antenna) and a plastic whistle to alert rescuers.

ïPencil, paper, and quarters for telephone calls, or a cell phone.

ïFirst aid kit including essential medications.

ïPlastic flashlight with spare batteries (reverse the batteries to prevent accidental switching and burnout and replace batteries yearly).

ïTwo large plastic bags and safety pins for insulation for feet.

ïSnack foods for energy.

ïDry clothes, snowmobile suit, mittens, gloves, boots, blankets or sleeping bags.

ïJumper cables, a basic toolbox, shovel, road flares and sand or other grit for traction.

If stranded, itís best to stay with the vehicle. Chances of survival are greatly increased when motorists stay put. Staying in the vehicle decreases the risk of frostbite or hypothermia and increases the chance of being rescued.

Run the engine for heat about once an hour, but make sure the exhaust pipe is clear to prevent the backup of carbon monoxide.

MnDOT also recommends car owners have their vehicles winterized and keep gas tanks at least half full to avoid gas line freeze.

Avoid traveling, especially alone, if severe weather is threatening. Inform someone at your destination of your anticipated arrival time and your travel route.

For more information on winter survival kits and driving safety, contact the American Red Cross, the Minnesota Safety Council or visit the Minnesota Division of Emergency Management at www.dem.state.mn.us.

Cell phone use

All calls to 9-1-1 from cell phones are automatically routed to State Patrol dispatchers. However, unlike calls from home, the location of the cell phone caller is not displayed on the dispatcherís computer.

The Minnesota State Patrol urges users to pay attention to the following details that could help in case of an emergency:

ïInform the dispatcher a cell phone is being used.

ïStay on the line until the dispatcher says otherwise.

ïState the nature of the emergency.

ïReport if there are any injuries and the number of victims involved.

ïNote mile markers and highway exit numbers.

ïKnow the county or city.

ïKnow the county or state highway number.

ïKnow the direction travelling.

ïUse 9-1-1 only to report emergencies.