Apocolypse or Not, Be Careful on the Road!

Some interpretations of the ancient Mayan calendar suggest tomorrow December 21, 2012, shall be the end of the world. The news media, however, is strictly talking about the harsh weather coming our way. Whether you are going with the Mayans or the weatherman on this one, we at E.E. Ward want you to be prepared for what to expect tomorrow. Every driver at E.E. Ward Moving & Storage has experience in all sorts of inclement weather, but it never hurts to spread some wisdom for handling the extra challenges we will face this winter. The following 5 tips are great to keep in mind this holiday season to make sure you arrive safely to wherever your final destination is.

1. Know your route and keep abreast of weather conditions. The Web can be a great source of current weather information. Make a list of Department of Transportation road-condition hotlines and consult them every few hours while you’re on the road.

2. Drink plenty of water. When the weather is chilly, dehydration might seem unlikely, but according to a study by the Mayo Clinic, as little as a 1-2 percent loss of body weight can lead to fatigue and reduced alertness — both of which can be deadly when you are driving in icy conditions. Carry (and drink) five to six 16-ounce bottles of water per day. Keep them with you in the passenger compartment, as they might freeze in the trunk.

3. Eat enough food. Your body needs more nourishment in cold weather than it does on a balmy summer day. Avoid candy bars and other quick-sugar-release snacks. Sandwiches, fruit, or a thermos of hearty stew are much better choices. Carry a day’s worth of high-energy food and water in a warm area of your vehicle in case you are stranded for a few hours.

4. Pack a winter travel safety kit. Include a cell phone, an ice scraper and brush, a tow rope, cat litter (for use as a traction aid), blankets, a good flashlight, a candle, matches, a good book, a portable weather radio, and a can of lock de-icer. (Never use hot water on glass or locks — it will refreeze and create a bigger problem.)

5. Slow down. A good rule of thumb is to reduce speed by 50 percent in snowy conditions. Blasting through snowdrifts may look cool in TV advertisements, but it’s way too hard on your vehicle to be worth it. Equally important: Don’t go too slow. Your car needs momentum to keep moving through the snow on grades.

For the complete list visit NBCNews.com