Give trouble a cold shoulder: Plan ahead for the road

You've checked the weather and know it's going to be cold while you're on the road.

But what happens if that go turns to stop?

Granted, it hasn't been that long since we had temperatures in the 80s. But remember, the weather yesterday means little in terms of what today or tomorrow will bring in Oklahoma.

So let's think winter. And specifically let's rewrite the second sentence of my lead to this column.

No big deal, because in the trunk or bed of your vehicle is one or more of the following: a bag of abrasive material (sand, salt or clay-based kitty litter), a snow brush, ice scraper, flashlight, paper towels, jumper cables, blanket, warm clothes, basic tools, a first-aid kit and maybe, just maybe, even a "send help” banner.

Now, do I carry each of these? Uh, no.

But after getting this list from AAA Oklahoma and thinking about it, I will carry more of the items this winter than I have in previous winters.

Obviously it doesn't have to freeze to be cold. But consider that the average date for the first freeze in Oklahoma City between 1891 and 2005 was Nov. 4. And the average last freeze in that time period was March 30, according to information from the National Weather Service in Norman. Just this week, temperatures have been recorded at or below freezing in areas of Oklahoma.

What I'm saying is that we have about five months — give or take those other seven — where it can get very cold.

So with the help of various sources, the following are some traditional and not-so-traditional measures to keep in mind as we prepare for winter driving.

Let's start with the latter — nontraditional.

Can you hear me now?

Often, the key to preparation is thinking beyond the obvious.

K. Gary Rose is a federal law officer with the

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