As a Minnesota driver, you know about the dangers of winter driving. For a significant part of the year, you must deal with snow, ice and freezing temperatures that affect the performance of your vehicles.
The National Safety Council provides valuable tips to prepare for winter driving. Continue reading for a brief overview of how to stay safe in the winter months.
Check your safety features
You cannot get in your car during winter without checking a few things first. Everyone in Minnesota keeps an ice scraper in their car, but modern cars require more than a cursory windshield and mirror scraping. Figure out where your driver assisting features are, such as blind spot detectors, emergency brake sensors and backup cameras. Clear them of any ice or salt that accumulates so that you get their full safety capabilities.
Start your engine early and safely
Warming up your car before driving is a good idea, especially for older vehicles. However, never let your car run in the garage, even if the garage door is open. According to the CDC, 430 people die yearly from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning, and 50,000 people must seek emergency treatment.
Tell people when and where you drive
Avoid driving during snowstorms. However, if you cannot avoid driving, tell someone about your destination and the route. If something unexpected happens, emergency services know where to look for you.
Winter has its inconveniences and safety hazards, but if you plan ahead, you can reduce the chances of a catastrophic accident. Besides typical car maintenance, communicating with your friends, family and coworkers is essential for a worst-case scenario.