Safe Driving in Poor Winter Road Conditions

Winter conditions will soon be upon us. Whether you are expecting a winter of snow, ice, or rain, there are several tips to keep you safe out on the road.

1) Keep one of your radio pre-sets tuned to a local traffic channel.

2) Always make sure your cell phone is fully charged before heading out.

3) Add solvent to your windshield washer formula to keep it from forming ice

4) Keep a full tank of gas - you may have to take a different route - or two - and you may not know that until you are pretty far down your path and have to turn around.

5) To find those alternate routes, keep a map handy. Try to stick to those you are familiar with - this isn't the time to get lost. Additionally, make sure it's a current map - renamed or new streets can get confusing.

6) Keep towels, blankets, and boots in your trunk. If you have to get out and shovel yourself out, you may get wet and/or chilled.

7) If your car battery is headed towards replacement, do it before the weather gets colder. The last thing you want is for your battery to die when you are stuck in bad weather conditions. Your battery has to work extra hard in the snow, so even if it was working OK during the summer, you still may want to consider a new one.

8) This seems like a basic, but your brakes have to be in absolute top condition. This isn't something to skimp on.

9) Likewise, make sure that the treads on your tires are in good shape.

10) Many states now require that all windows are fully cleared of snow and ice that occludes your view - take care of that before you head out, and if it starts to pile up, find a safe spot (ideally not by the side of the road) and clear it again. This also goes for mirrors.

11) Make sure your lights front and back are cleared enough to be visible.

12) Brake gently - too hard of a brake and it may not release again. Of course, if you need to come to a quick and hard stop, do so.

13) Keep a safe distance if you are traveling behind a snow plow - occasionally the angle the plow is at throws a large amount of snow in the road - you need extra time to react.

14) This would be a good time to make sure that car seats are appropriate for your children's current height and weight. If you are in an accident, even a minor one, the correct car seat can make all the difference in the world in your child's wellbeing.

15) Above all, if you feel your safety is in peril no matter what you do, seriously consider staying where you are. Your boss will certainly understand if you can't get out of your driveway and need to stay home or work at home for a day.

Stay safe this winter!