Winter Tips for Students

Winter always increasesthe risks of health and driving. At the end of winter semester, students especially need to notice health and driving tips to guarantee safety for holiday and 2012 spring semester.

Fordriving back home or other destinations, studentsshould keep their vehicles in top operating conditions. Also,students need to becautious about winter storms and courteous to those awaiting their arrival. There are some cautious tips for safe driving. Pay attention to road and weather conditions before leaving by watching for slippery bridge decks and clearing snow and ice from all windows and lights. Avoid distracted driving by turning down the music, talking on phone, or eating snack. Drive cautiously by leaving room for maintenance vehicles and plows, braking early and correctly, looking farther ahead in traffic than students normally do, and going slow.

Students need to plan ahead for winter travel.  Keep thegas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines. Before driving home for a break, let someone know of thetravel plans, including the expected time of departure and arrival, and the planned route.  Make sure to have a winter emergency kit (tire changing tools, fuses, belts, hoses, clamps, strapping tape, assortment of screws, nuts, washers and bolts, bailing wire, tow chain, sand, flares, and booster cables) and place it in the car.

Pay attention tothehealth during the winter months. Students will probably spend most oftheir time inside. Students need to be sure to use the appropriate fire safeguards and properly ventilate the device to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Even during busy study periods, be sure to have proper amount of high-calorie food to providethe body energy and stay warm.  Wear layers of loose-fitting clothing and remove layers when necessary to avoid overheating, perspiration, and subsequent chill.

Students should dress warmly and stay dry while spending time outside for sledding and snow removal. Layer clothing, preferably wind resistant, can reduce the loss of body-heat caused by the wind. Tell relatives and friends where students are going and when students are expected to return. Do not ignore shivering, an important first sign of the body losing heat while in outside.  Persistent shivering is a signal to return indoors.