Bitter cold, ice, and snow, oh my! Winter driving safety is important; continue reading to learn why! With the changing season and daily temps dipping lower and lower, it can only mean one thing…a Minnesota winter is quickly approaching. Rest assured, Mother Nature will serve us a fair share of brutal winter weather in every form: bitter cold temperatures, layers of ice, and snow galore.
A frequent question Rochester Local receives is, “It’s my first winter in Minnesota. I’m nervous to drive…WHAT do I need to know?” Well, whether you’re a first-time winter driver or a lifelong northerner, we have tips to ensure you stay safe on the road this winter.
The following are 3 key aspects we like to keep in mind when driving during the winter.
Respect the Weather
Winter driving is not like any other season. Unlike warmer weather, the cold affects surfaces and materials. For example, bitter cold can:
- affect your car battery’s effectiveness, in some cases up to 50%
- freeze tires and keep them flat for up to the first mile of driving
- thicken car fluids, putting pressure on the engine to work too hard
The best way to keep yourself and your passengers safe in the winter while driving is to make plans before you travel and be aware of the weather. Consider doing the following:
- Make a plan and leave detailed directions to your destination with a trusted friend or family member. This can be helpful in case you are lost, stalled, or your car experiences difficulties in a storm or bitter temps. Especially if your car battery were to die and you have no way to charge your phone.
- Check the weather forecast before you leave and be prepared for all road conditions you might face. Dress appropriately for the weather you will be in.
- Always remove all ice, frost, and snow from your car’s windows, windshield, back window, and side mirrors before driving.
Prepare Your Car
The following list includes helpful recommendations to prepare your car for winter driving:
- Keep your car’s gas tank at least half full.
- Store at least two fleece blankets in your car
- Always keep extra hats, mittens, scarves, and blankets in a basket in your car during the winter.
- Pack a Winter Car Safety Kit. We suggest including the following:
- battery booster cables
- ice scraper
- reflective roadside visibility triangles or cones
- yellow reflective safety vest
- an LED flashlight (and extra batteries)
- a colorful strip of fabric to tie onto your car’s antenna
- a basic first aid kit
- extra car cell phone charger
- water and long-lasting snacks (trail mix, granola, protein bars, etc.)
- whistle
- plastic garbage bag
- small knife
- waterproof matches
- portable shovel
- sand or kitty litter
- If at all possible, start your car up before driving it when the temps are sub-zero (*Note: do not let your car run in the garage to warm up, even with the garage door open. Fumes can build the level of carbon monoxide to lethal concentrations quickly, sometimes in just a few minutes). Not only does warming up the car provide comfort, but it allows your car to perform at its best before you start driving. Installing a remote start will make the process as easy as pushing a button. Staying warm inside the house and moving to a nice warm car is a cause we can really get behind!
Be a Safe and Cautious Driver
Snowy and icy conditions necessitate an immediate change in driving habits. If you’ve grown up in Minnesota or lived here for quite some time, driving in the winter might be a bit like second nature. If you’ve recently moved here and it’s your first winter, think of driving in snow as similar to driving in a hard thunderstorm or downpour.
- Test the road conditions carefully when first starting out. Accelerate and brake carefully to determine slippery conditions.
- Accelerate and brake slowly to maintain control of your vehicle. Doing either too quickly will cause wheels to spin or lose traction.
- Allow extra space between you and the cars ahead of you. When it’s snowy or icy, you want as much room as possible between you and the car in front of you, in case you need extra time to brake and stop.
- Make turns slowly and gradually. Heavy traffic areas such as corners can become compacted with snow and ice, making for slippery turns. Do not brake around corners in icy conditions. Slow the car while it is going straight, to prevent sliding sideways around corners.
- If the rear of your car begins to slide, turn in the direction of the skid. Keep in mind that as the car corrects you might have a second skid to deal with too, so be prepared.
Keeping your Family Safe
Winter driving can be stressful, and yes…sometimes dangerous. Keeping our family safe is at the very top of our minds in any precarious winter driving situation. Being a cautious and aware driver is your best defense against any winter driving mishap. The next is driving a highly safety-rated vehicle.
