October ushers in winter safety season

By Tom Saunders (IMCOM-Europe)September 22, 2010

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HEIDELBERG, Germany - As seasons shift in Europe from summer to fall, people planning to travel may need to pack shorts, umbrellas, and cold weather gear to ensure they're prepared for Europe's sporadic weather.

While fall offers a challenge to travelers, it is also the beginning of the annual winter safety focus in Europe.

According to Installation Management Command-Europe safety officials, October begins the annual winter safety campaign and this year, like in years past, drivers are urged to play it safe and winterize their vehicles soon.

"It's no secret that fall and winter season weather can be cold, wet, and driving conditions can be bad," said Michael Schwarz, Installation Management Command-Europe chief of safety. "By preparing now for the hazards of winter, we can all set the conditions for avoiding hazards or injuries created by unexpected snow, ice and adverse weather conditions."

There are several ways travelers can prepare to meet the challenges of the winter season, said Schwarz. For example, travelers can prepare winter survival kits for vehicles, get a vehicle winter tune up, and review local winter safety information.

"There are a lot of good winter safety tips on the IMCOM Europe Safety website ranging from the obvious - such as proper tires - to the travel risk planning system," said Schwarz.

Tips from the IMCOM winter safety brochure found at the website's seasonal safety link include how to prepare a car winter survival kit. Handy items to keep in your vehicle when you're driving in wintry conditions include:

-An ice scraper/brush combination

-Small shovel

-Sand, salt, or kitty litter (for traction)

-Tow rope or chain

-A couple of blankets

-Galoshes and gloves

-Flashlight and extra batteries

-Jumper cables

-First aid kit

-Road flares or reflectors

-Fire extinguisher.

Schwarz said various vehicle winterizing tips range from the basic such as checking tires, windshield wipers and technical issues, to more complex checks such as making sure the vehicle's 'onboard computer' system - the driver - is prepared and "winterized."

"Winterizing a vehicle can be a challenge. In Germany, people are able to take advantage of the annual lighting campaign conducted by AAFES Car Care Centers, German garages and most U.S. Forces Vehicle Inspection Stations in Germany which provide free vehicle inspections during October," said Schwarz. "This is part of the International Motor Vehicle Lighting Campaign offered to U.S. Forces personnel with privately-owned vehicles. The inspection covers lighting systems, windshield wipers, exhaust systems and tires.

Schwarz said individuals should contact their local AAFES Car Care Centers, German or host nation garages and U.S. Forces Vehicle Inspection Stations for more information about what those facilities offer.

"While we need to be safety conscious all the time, the reality is that winter driving requires additional safety considerations. For example, you should think about snow and ice every time you climb into the driver's seat during the winter months. If a section of pavement looks wet, don't assume it's just water - it may be black ice, a thin film of ice that is very treacherous. Wet leaves on roads can also present a very slippery road hazard," said Schwarz. "So, check out the information on the IMCOM-Europe Safety page and get 'winterized.' This winter, Make Safety First, Last and all the Time."

Related Links:

Installation Management Command-Europe Website

Installation Management Command-Europe Safety Website