CHP explains how drivers can prepare their car for winter weather

UPDATE: 09/27/18 6:35 p.m. When you hit the road for the day, California Highway Patrol says you should be prepared for the worst case scenario; especially during the rainy season.

Several things to keep on hand or in your trunk; flashlight and batteries, flares, drinking water, water proof clothing and blanket.

CHP Officer Sam Courtney says, “it’s good to carry things in your car like clothing that will allow you to go out into the elements, water, snacks, flares”

Flares can help in several ways according to CHP, “you can light those and set those before where you are to warn drivers as they come and as they approach you to slow down. And they can also be helpful for helping law enforcement and rescue personnel find you.”

When you are lighting a flare make sure there is no brush or other flammable objects around, and make sure to strike it like a match away from your body.

Before you hit the road, make sure your headlights and windshield wipers are working. When your wipers are being used, your headlights also need to be on – it’s the law.

During the 2017 winter storms some drivers on Highway 17 were stuck in their cars for nearly 8 hours.

Officer Courtney adds, “we have seen in years past where if we get a significant amount of rain you have trees that fall down and completely block the highway, mudslides. You look at the past few winters and there have been some huge mudslides in California all around.”

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When you hit the road for the day, California Highway Patrol says you should be prepared for the worst case scenario; especially during the rainy season.

Several things to keep on hand or in your trunk; flashlight and batteries, flares, drinking water, water proof clothing and blanket.

Also make sure your headlights and windshield wipers are working.

During the 2016 winter storms some drivers on Highway 17 were stuck in their cars for nearly 8 hours.

KION’S Ashley Keehn will have more on how drivers can prepare for the winter weather at 5 p.m. & 6 p.m.