Winter Driving

Driving to and from work every day is just another part of our work day. Many of us at Ideal put a lot of miles on each day. Every season has it’s driving challenges, but winter can be the most treacherous and dangerous time of the year for motorists. Unpredictable road conditions, changing visibility, poor weather and other motorists can make winter driving dangerous or even deadly. Being prepared can go a long way toward limiting the hazards of winter driving.

Supplies to have on hand:
•An ice scraper / brush / shovel
•Booster cables
•Road flares
•Sand or gravel for traction
•Blankets and extra gloves / hats / something Hi-Vis
•Food and water suitable for winter conditions (granola bars, etc.)
Have an emergency plan:
•Check the weather conditions before you go out
•Make sure you’re dressed for cold weather, in case you break down or get in an accident
•Plan your route in advance, and make sure people know when and where to expect you
•Keep your cell phone fully charged in case of emergencies
•Leave yourself some extra time so you can take your time
•The safest thing you can do while driving on snow is slow down and be patient
Other tips for driving safely in the snow include:
•Avoid sudden braking, accelerating, and turning of the wheel
•Look ahead as far as visibility allows and watch for oncoming obstacles
•Stay well back from snow plows and only pass them if absolutely necessary, but never pass them on the right
•Don’t talk or text and drive
•Many winter driving accidents are caused by motorists traveling too fast for the weather conditions, always be cautious of yourself and other around you

Always be prepared, winter will soon be here. Last year on November 21st, there was 15” of snow in 1 day in Milford, Michigan.