Staying Safe on Minnesota Roads in the Winter

Minnesota is known for its picturesque lakes, around 10,000 according to the state’s license plate motto. The Land of 10,000 Lakes is also famous for its long, harsh winters.

You can expect a lot of snow, ice, and freezing temperatures. This can make winter driving a tense and occasionally nerve-racking experience. Did you know that January is one of the most dangerous months for driving in Minnesota? Along with adverse weather conditions, daylight is in short supply. All of this combined often means an increase in car accidents.

Are you planning on hitting the roads this winter? Here are some helpful tips to keep you safe.

Tips To Stay Safe on Minnesota Roads in the Winter

Surprisingly, winter isn’t the deadliest time of year for drivers in Minnesota. During the warm, sunny summer months, more fatal car accidents are reported in the state. However, more traffic accidents occur in the winter, significantly increasing your chances of being involved in a minor fender bender or major collision.

Staying safe on the snowy, icy roads is possible using a little common sense. The best advice is to avoid driving in poor conditions like a blizzard or snowstorm. The decrease in visibility can significantly increase your chances of getting in a car wreck.

Some other helpful winter driving tips include:

Always wear your seatbelt. This isn’t a suggestion, it’s a state law. Minnesota’s seat belt law includes both drivers and passengers, even people sitting in the back seat. You should expect to pay a fine if you’re caught not wearing your seatbelt.
Along with obeying all posted speed limits, you also want to avoid tailgating. Maintaining a safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front is one of the best ways of preventing rear-end collisions. How much distance should you keep? Try to abide by the three-second rule. This means slowly counting to three before following the lead vehicle.
Snowplows are a common sight in Minnesota. However, don’t follow a plow too closely. You never know when one may suddenly apply the brakes, and you don’t want to hit one of these heavy vehicles. The damage to your car will probably be significant, and you’ll also receive a citation for being the at-fault driver.
If you’re commonly on the road in the winter, you may have already experienced some skidding and sliding. Even with a robust snowplow system, icy roads are common. Don’t panic! This is the worst thing you can do. Instead, take your foot off the gas pedal. Don’t apply the brakes. Instead, calmly turn the wheel in the opposite direction you want to go. This should straighten your vehicle out of a skid.
Most modern vehicles have an anti-lock braking system (ABS). This can be a good thing on slick roads. Don’t pump the brakes. This can cause them to lock up, sending your vehicle sliding across the road. Applying steady pressure allows your vehicle to come to a gradual stop without hitting a car or other object in front.

If your vehicle has cruise control, ignore this convenient feature on snowy and icy roads. You want to maintain control of the vehicle at all times, not your car’s computer system.

Pack the Essentials Before Hitting the Road

Chances are you know to remove any snow and ice from your windshield before driving. Failing to do so can be a violation of state safety laws. You cannot legally drive a vehicle with a blocked windshield. So avoid the potential ticket and risky driving behavior by spending a few minutes clearing off your car’s windows, oh, and don’t forget the side mirrors.

While it’s illegal to use a handheld device while driving, don’t forget to bring a charged smartphone. If you’re involved in an accident, you want to be able to easily contact the police and other emergency services.

You may also want to let friends and/or family members know when you’re leaving and the intended destination. This way, if an accident occurs, someone is out searching for you. The last thing you want is to be stranded in a freezing car.

Minnesota residents typically keep the essentials in their cars. This way, they’re prepared for winter driving. If you’re visiting or new to the state, you’ll want to keep the following items in the trunk or even the backseat.

An ice scraper and snow brush
Portable shovel. Some are even collapsible for easier storage.
Jumper cables
A tow chain. Some drivers also keep snow chains in their vehicles.
A bag of sand or kitty litter to provide tire traction.
Blankets
Extra coats and other types of winter clothing—think of things like sweaters and waterproof pants. Mittens/gloves and scarves are also handy items that will help you stay warm if something goes wrong on the road.
A working flashlight with spare batteries

You may even want to keep a supply of non-perishable foods in your car; protein bars are a good example. Sometimes, it can take several hours for rescue vehicles to make their way to you after an accident.

What To Do If You’re Involved in a Traffic Accident in the Winter

If you’re involved in a vehicle accident, the first step is to contact the authorities. Stay in your vehicle! Chances are the roads are slick, and you don’t want to get hit by oncoming traffic. On top of that, other drivers may not be able to stop in time.

Assess yourself and others for any injuries. If there are injuries, relay this information to the 911 operator, the next step is to contact an accident attorney. Do this before calling your insurance agent. Typically, it’s best to let your attorney handle the insurance company.

Stay Safe On the Road this Winter

Using some common sense, you can stay safe on the roads in the winter. However, statistics also show the frequency of car collisions increases during the winter.

If you’re in a car wreck, stay calm and remain in your vehicle, then wait for help to arrive. When it’s time to discuss insurance settlements, it’s always best to have an attorney by your side.

Image credit: Depositphotos