Question: I’ve seen the traffic safety information you share on your X account when it comes to dealing with winter weather and slippery roads. Can you write about winter driving safety here for all of us? I’d like for you to share some basic winter driving tips. Thank you and be safe.
Answer: While summer months are the deadliest on Minnesota roads for fatal crashes, wintertime leads to the most crashes and poses its own safety risks and hazards. Stay safe while on the road in the winter:
- Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor.
- Buckle up and make sure child restraints are secured tightly. We recommend you use bulky clothes and blankets on top of the child restraint harness, not beneath, to ensure harness restraints fit properly.
- Drive at speeds that are safe for the road conditions and provide for plenty of travel time.
- Leave plenty of space to stop between vehicles.
- Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least 10 car-lengths behind plows.
- If you start to skid, remain calm, ease foot off the gas and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
- If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.
- Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals.
- You must turn on your headlights when it is snowing or sleeting.
- Do not use cruise control on snow, icy or wet roads.
- Equip vehicles with a scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Blankets, heavy boots, warm clothing and flashlights are also important, as are storing high-energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars.
- Be sure cell phones are charged for long trips, and inform your family or friends of your travel plan and schedule.
- If you get stranded, stay in the vehicle.
- Parents of teen drivers should make sure they experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot.
- For weather-related road condition information, call 511 or visit www.511mn.org.
You can avoid a ticket — and a crash — if you simply buckle up, drive at safe speeds, pay attention and always drive sober. Help us drive Minnesota Toward Zero Deaths.
If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota, send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. Or reach him at Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us.
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