With the beginning of the year comes temperatures that are below freezing for many parts of the country. So far this Winter, temperatures have been colder than normal for a many areas. With those cold temperatures comes hazardous driving conditions. These hazardous driving conditions can put your family or your employees in extremely dangerous situations. Luckily there are a few strategies that can prevent this from happening and help you deal with an emergency if something were to go wrong while out on the roads. Here are a few tips to keep you, your family and your employees safe this Winter.
Plan Ahead
Depending upon where you live, Winter Driving Conditions begin anywhere from October through January. Some Winters may be warmer or colder than others, but this is generally when the temperatures start to dip. Because we are aware of this, it gives us the opportunity to prepare for the season each year. In some areas of the country this may require additional anti-freeze to be placed in to your engine or maybe even new tires to be placed on your vehicle. Partnering with an experienced mechanic with whom you trust can go a long ways towards preparing you, your family and your employees for hazardous conditions.
Go Slow
The only way to drive safely on ice is to drive slowly and give yourself plenty of room to stop. Many drivers do not take this advice and they are the primary obstacle any driver should be looking for when out driving in hazardous conditions. Most hazardous conditions can be dealt with if you have the proper tires and your car has enough clearance for the conditions you face, but that is only the case if you go slow and stay away from other vehicles.
Create a Winter Safety Kit
When the Winter Temperatures begin to dip, it is a good idea to throw some things in the trunk of your vehicle that can help you deal with being stuck in your vehicle for an extended period. Bottled water is helpful, but you may want to have the water bottles be filled only half to three-quarters of the way full. This is because if they freeze they may not break the container they are contained. Snacks like granola bars can be helpful as is freeze dried food. A small shovel or some cat litter for traction can help you get out of a situation where your vehicle is stuck.
Stay Home
The best way to prevent having to use any of these tips is to stay home. If you do not have to go out in to Winter Conditions, don’t. Now this is not always possible because of the stresses of life, but any way you can limit the amount of time you have to be in a vehicle is always the best way to deal with Hazardous Winter Conditions.