Winter Driving Tips

Posted by Alan Sorum Feb 25, 2007

I was driving into Skagway, Alaska from Whitehorse, Yukon Territory on the Klondike Highway a couple of days ago. Winter travel between the two communities involves driving under often poor conditions and crossing the snow covered White Pass through the coastal mountains.

Turns out there were a couple of avalanches waiting ahead of me and I had to spend the night in the village of Carcross until they were cleared away in the morning. Whitehorse is hosting the Canadian winter games, so driving back there for evening wasn't an option. There isn't a hotel room to be found I was told. True to the spirit of northerners, a RCMP officer and his family put me up at their home for the evening. It was a truly unexpected surprise.

We travel to work and to play in the winter months. Cold weather doesn't stop many of us from visiting the harbor or getting a little skiing done. I thought it would be useful to pass along some winter safety tips for visitors of Boating and Sailing at Suite101.

• Be an informed traveler. Many states have interactive road travel websites that can provide accurate highway information. 511.alaska.gov is an excellent example. The site provides road condition, closure reports, remote weather observations, and video from highway webcam sites.
• Operate a properly equipped vehicle. Ensure it is well maintained and serviced. Use studded tires if allowed by your regional law.
• Practice defensive driving. Reduce speeds, leave room to stop, avoid alcohol use, and watch for ice on bridges.
• Carry safety equipment and a survival kit in your trunk. I carry winter clothing, a sleeping bag, a backpacking stove, and freeze dried food. In the event of a mishap, be prepared spend a few days camped out with your vehicle. Your safest action will be to stay with the car.
• Carry a cellular phone, but remember coverage can be sporadic. Those that spend a great amount of time in remote areas may consider earning an amateur radio license or securing the use of a satphone.