Some of the most
important tips for safe winter driving include:
·
Never follow a
snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of
the plow is usually snow-covered;
·
Adjust speed for road
conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles;
·
Schedule extra time
for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations;
·
Assume that bridge
surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces;
·
Be wary of black ice,
which can be difficult to see but makes conditions slippery when pavement
temperatures are below freezing;
·
Have a cell phone
handy, if possible, but do not text while driving; distracted driving is
illegal and becomes even more dangerous during storm events;
·
Never venture from
your vehicle if snowbound;
·
Equip your car with
emergency supplies including sand, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice
scraper, portable radio, flashlight, blankets and extra warm clothes;
·
Inform a responsible
person of your destination, intended route, and estimated time of arrival; and
·
Keep calm and do not
panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident, or if you become snowbound.
