Troopers: Drivers should be prepared for bone-chilling temperatures

A typical work commute could become dangerous if drivers have not prepared for the sub-zero temperatures mid-Missouri will see this week.

“These temperatures are serious,” said Highway Patrol Sgt. Scott White.

For those heading out to work or even the store Wednesday, Tiger Towing owner David Debates recommends doing a visual of your car.

“I’d start it up, make sure all the lights are off as far as your service lights,” he said. “Make sure there’s no low coolant lights on, all your washer fluid levels are full.”

White said a full tank of gas is a must. If a driver gets stranded or is stuck in traffic, they are going to want to have a full tank of gas to keep the car running.

“If you get into a crash and your vehicle’s not running when it’s below zero, that’s an emergency especially if you’ve got kids in the car,” he said.

Above all, even if you’re just making a quick trip, White and Debates urge people to dress appropriately for the weather.

“I’ve been on accident scenes where someone says ‘Hey I’m going to go get a soda,'” Debates said. “They put on their house coat on, or whatever the case may be, and just their flip flops. Those are some serious things to think about and make sure you’re prepared for that. Anything can happen at any time, especially in cold weather.”

White said having hand or toe warmers on hand in the car is a great idea and a good source of heat.

If you do get stranded tomorrow, you can call *55 or 911.

ABC 17’s Sara Maslar-Donar also froze a banana for three hours to show you what these frigid temperatures can do. Watch below to see a frozen banana used as a hammer.

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