Preparing for Winter Storms

As a significant winter storm heads toward the Midwest, it’s important to prepare for rapidly changing road conditions. Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can make even familiar routes more hazardous. Whether you’re commuting to the office, heading to a project site, or traveling between meetings, taking a few extra precautions can make all the difference in keeping yourself and others safe.

Winter Driving: Slow Down & Stay Aware

Cold-weather road conditions can shift quickly—clear pavement can turn slick, bridges can freeze unexpectedly, and visibility can drop without warning. As this storm approaches, remember: patience and preparation are your best defenses.

Essential winter driving tips:

• Reduce your speed and leave extra stopping distance—at least three times more than usual.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels begin to lock, ease off the brakes.
• Know how to handle a skid:
  Don’t panic. Don’t slam the brakes. Take your foot off the gas and steer in the direction you need the vehicle to go.
• Turn on your headlights to stay visible in snow and low-light conditions.
• Keep headlights and your windshield clear of snow and ice.
• Watch for bridges and overpasses, which freeze before other road surfaces.
• Don’t assume four-wheel or all-wheel drive can handle all conditions.
• Keep emergency items on hand—jacket, hat, gloves, and other essentials.
• Always check weather, road conditions, and traffic before heading out.
• Ensure your vehicle is well-maintained with properly inflated, winter-ready tires.

Slowing down, giving yourself more time to brake, and staying aware of changing weather can dramatically improve your safety during winter storms.

Avoiding Distracted Driving: Stay Focused Behind the Wheel

Today’s vehicles are packed with technology, and our phones demand our attention constantly. During hazardous winter conditions, distractions become even more dangerous.

Studies show:

• Drivers talking on the phone are five times more likely to have an accident.
• Drivers who text are 23 times more likely to be involved in a crash.

Distractions impact you in three ways:

• Visual – Eyes off the road
• Mechanical – Hands off the wheel
• Cognitive – Mind off driving

If you’ve ever suddenly realized you don’t remember the last few miles you drove, you’ve experienced how easily attention can drift.

Tips for staying focused:

• Wrap up calls and loose ends before leaving the office.
• Avoid heavy traffic times when possible.
• Drive only as fast as the weather and road conditions allow.
• If you must use your phone, pull over safely first.
• Pre-set GPS destinations before driving.
• Wear your seat belt at all times.
• Stay alert, drive defensively, and anticipate hazards.
• Avoid other vehicles’ blind spots.
• Maintain a safety cushion by keeping your distance.

Safe drivers are constantly scanning the road, predicting hazards, and preparing to react—skills that become even more critical during winter weather.

As we maneuver through winter weather, staying cautious, alert, and prepared is essential. Winter driving demands patience, awareness, and respect for the conditions. By staying focused and eliminating distractions, you greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

As Wilma Mankiller said,
“The secret of our success is that we never, never give up.”
Let’s stay committed to safety—on and off the road.