So don't let something derail you from enjoying your festivities.
Have you ever been in a car accident? I have. It's terrifying. Your adrenaline is pumping, your heart is racing, you might feel sore or have more serious pain. All the while, you're hoping everyone is ok - even if it's someone who rear-ended you, t-boned you, or hit you head on.
Here are some tips to help keep you safe while driving our Minnesota roads this winter:
1. SLOW DOWN! This may be redundant but it's true. You don't know what the car in front of you is going to do and unless you'd like to have the opportunity to get out and meet them (angry) face to face, just draw back a bit and keep a good 8-10 seconds distance between you and them.
2. Keep your vehicle is good shape. This includes:
- Making sure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI. Getting a decent pressure gauge will help keep them filled to the vehicle specifications.
- Speaking of tires, how's the tread on them? If it's questionable or even below recommended tread life, get those suckers changed ASAP!
- Brush the snow off your vehicle - this includes to roof, hood, and trunk (bonnet and boot if you're British!) Just remember when you were behind that car that couldn't be bothered to clean their car and for miles you had snow blowing across your vision path - how frustrating and unsafe is that?!!
- Check your battery. How old is your battery? Make sure you get it checked periodically to ensure that it's up to snuff. No ones wants to come to their car when it's 15 degrees below zero only to find their battery is dead...
- Have enough washer fluid to clean that gunk off your front windshield as you're driving so - you know - you can see? I always have an extra bottle in my car - especially during the winter. It seems to empty so much faster when you're washing your windshield 15-20 times during an hour-long drive... weird...
- And - speaking of your windshield, how are those wipers? Leaving much to be desired as far as a good see through for your driving needs? Maybe it's time to change them out for a fresh pair. It's usually pretty important for drivers to be able to see clearly out of their cars.
- Know your car controls. If you are driving a new-to-you car (whether you're borrowing it, driving home a friend who celebrated a bit too much at a holiday party, or it's a new car) take a moment to learn where things are so your not distracted while driving home only to look up and see traffic has come to a screeching halt. Now you're meeting that driver in front of you...
3. Put the phone down. I mean it. Really. Just put it down. It's not worth it to answer a text, read a funny social media post, etc. I see it so often on the road - the car in front of me swerves, is driving awkwardly, etc only to get around them and see they're staring straight at their mobile device... You've all heard it before. This is nothing new, although with some people it may be. So, please, just put it down and pick it up when you've reached your destination.
4. Have an emergency kit in your car. Make sure it's stocked with warm blankets, mittens/gloves, hats, jumper cables, bottled water, first-aid medical kit, a flashlight (make sure the batteries work! If you have a flashlight on your phone, great!, but what happens if your phone battery dies... Better to be prepared), snacks, candle and matches, a shovel, and an emergency road sign and/or flares. There could be many things you include in your emergency kit, just make sure you have the basics.
5. Watch out for black ice. It can happen when you least expect it. Watch out for places that don't get much light (ie sunlight helps melt ice) under bridges, around turns, beside buildings, intersections, etc. That stuff is nasty and it'll get ya!
Well, there are (I'm sure) many more things to be wary of, however if you keep your wits about you and be a respectful motorist, HOPEFULLY you will escape this winter unscathed. But, if the unfortunate should happen and you find yourself on one end of a fender-bender, please make sure you see a good chiropractor that can help get you put back together again. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call, email, text, or Facebook us.
Phone: 612.408.9535
Email: [email protected]
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