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Icy roads earlier this week left many drivers in ditches along the side of the road, and with cooler temperatures predicted again this weekend, motorists should take precautions for this and future winter driving conditions.

Changing over to studded tires and finding the ice scraper are good ways to prevent accidents, and many people carry jumper cables year-round. But motorists -- especially those who live in outlying areas such as Kasilof, Sterling and Funny River -- should also prepare for a worst case scenario.

"Everyone should have an emergency kit in their car," said Soldotna Police Chief John Lucking. "There's no excuse not to have one."

Lucking said most people carry cell phones for emergencies, but these communication devices should not be solely relied on.

"There's not coverage everywhere," he said.

Also, even if a call can get out, in winter it can often be a while before help arrives. Motorists need to be sure they have enough supplies to survive typical Alaska weather, such as temperatures 20 to 30 below zero and blizzards with near zero visibility.

"To prepare for winter driving, take warm coats, gloves and a hat with you, for you and your passengers," Lucking said. "A lot of body heat is lost through an uncovered head."

Also, since moose are annually struck by motorists, extra warm clothes -- or even old blankets or an emergency sleeping bag -- can be stuffed into a broken windshield to prevent the biting cold from getting into the vehicle while waiting for help.

Since darkness prevails in winter, Lucking also recommended having some source of illumination in the emergency kit.

"It's advantageous to have a flashlight," he said. Small backpacking-type headlamps can also work well.

"Motorists should also have road flares in their kits," he said. These can be used to warn others drivers of the dangerous situation, and they serve as a good way for motorist to signal their locations for emergency responders or tow-truck drivers.

Since some winter accidents merely involve sliding off the road onto ice or deep snow, motorists should have a means for getting themselves back on the asphalt without calling for professional help. For some people this means carrying a tow-strap, but Lucking recommended an even more self-reliant method.

"Every kit should have a shovel for digging yourself out," he said.

A small bag of sand or kitty litter can also help by adding a little traction, as can properly fitting chains.

Lucking said the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) also recommends that emergency kits should include a few extra items, such as:

* A battery powered radio and extra batteries;

* A fire extinguisher (5 pound, A-B-C type);

* A first aid kit and manual;

* Bottled water and non-perishable high energy foods such as granola bars, raisins and peanut butter; and

* A tire repair kit and pump, or two cans of Fix-a-Flat.

While having all of these items may help in an emergency, Lucking said with a little bit a planning many accidents can be avoided.

"As you prepare to drive the Alaska roads in the winter, be sure to allow yourself extra time for your trip," he said. "The number one thing to do in slick winter conditions is to slow down and not get in a hurry."

Joseph Robertia can be reached at joseph.robertia@peninsulaclarion.com.