Old Man Winter reminded travelers of who was in charge after our last post. A major snowstorm swept across the Midwest leaving blizzard conditions in parts of Illinois, Iowa and Minnesota. It also caused scores of auto accidents that left a number of people injured.
The storm also was a reminder that holiday travel could be dangerous, so drivers must be vigilant when the weather conditions become challenging. With many of our readers taking to the road for Christmas, we find it fitting to remind our readers of some helpful safe driving tips.
Slow down – Reducing your speed is probably the easiest (and most effective) safety measure drivers can take to stay clear of accidents. When road conditions deteriorate, drivers should reduce their speed in order have that extra reaction time to avoid hazards (and keep from becoming one).
Stay off the phone – If there is any time that drivers should put down their cell phones, it is during the winter driving season. It is no secret that texting while driving is equally as dangerous as drunk driving. For drivers with new smartphones, this applies to you as well. “Webbing”, the practice of checking Facebook statuses and traffic conditions, can also lead to accidents.
Use sand and salt when necessary – The beach may be a popular winter destination, but it can also help you avoid being stuck in a ditch. Sand can provide the extra traction needed to get out of deep snow, and salt can help melt troublesome ice.
We wish all of our readers the best during this holiday season.
Source: USA Today.com, Thanksgiving week one of deadliest on the highway, November 19, 2012