Drive Safely

Daylight savings has already hit in so that means that winter is back and bringing back with it the icy roads. The Minnesota Department of Transportation has already posted on its website a series of tips on how to prepare your car for the snowy roads ahead in case of emergency:

--How to prepare for winter driving: The first thing they advice you of is how to get your vehicle winterized. What does this mean? Be sure to have a winter survival kit in your car at all times this consists of: flashlight, blankets, first-aid supplies, high in energy snacks, cell phone and spare change. Also you should equip your car with booster cables, flares, a shovel and a windshield scraper. Be sure to always leave your home with at least a half filled up tank of gas and call a friend or family member and let them know that you will be traveling so they can be on the look out.

--Winter driving tips: When driving drive slowly and stay behind the snowplows. Have your headlights turned on and your cruise controls turned off. Before and on the road be sure to keep in contact with Traffic and Roads Condition to know the latest updates on what roads to take and those that are blocked.

--What to do if you are stranded in a winter storm: The first thing you should do is to stay in your care, that is the safest place where you will be. You should always have a circulation of fresh air inside your care. The cold is a sacrifice that you will have to make if you don't want to pass out by breathing in pure carbon monoxide fumes. So keep your exhaust pipe free of snow and your window opened a tiny bit. When inside the car try to move as much as possible. Rub your hands and feet for both warmth and blood circulation. You should loosen any tight clothing for better circulation an if not alone cuddle with the other person to share warmth. And if you are lucky enough to have a cell phone with you that has both battery and signal then call 911 for help.



My personal advice for you when driving under certain condition is to just keep your eyes open at all times and your full attention 100% on the road.