Anyone who has driven in the winter knows there are many obstacles to prepare for. Whether it is the freezing steering wheels, ice-caked windows, snowed-in tires, there are countless reasons why driving in the snow can be quite daunting. By taking proactive steps before we are buried in the snow, you can enter into the holidays much less stressed.
Don’t Drive – If it is truly a snow storm, stay home. During snowy conditions the safest thing you can do is limit your non-essential travel and avoid the roads until they are safely cleared and salted. Keep your eye on the weather this winter so you can give yourself time to prepare by stocking up on food and making a plan to work from home if a storm is on the way.
Develop a Mental Plan – If you must drive during snowy conditions, think through your drive before you get on the road. People tend to panic in emergency situations because they have never placed themselves into such a stressful situation before. By accepting that there are hazards on the road and thinking through your actions, you will be much more prepared to anticipate them. Professional athletes and industry leaders, among many other successful individuals, use this form of visualization to achieve their goals so why not you?
Do Not Rush – When the temperatures drop into those single digits, the warm embrace of your sheets can be too comforting to leave. The downside of this feeling is snoozing your alarm multiple times which forces you to rush out the door. This habit is never fortuitous any time of the year, especially in the winter. Speeding on icy roads is only a recipe for disaster. Allow yourself an extra window on your morning commute in case the conditions worsen. While you may be a bit groggier, start small by setting your alarm back five minutes every week until you achieve a comfortable window. By taking small steps to change your wake up cycle, you’ll be much more likely to follow through and have a plan that sticks.
Have an Emergency Kit on Hand – As a driver, you need to be prepared for emergencies that may arise. During these frigid months, an emergency can be anything from slipping on ice, getting snowed in, or even a breakdown due to the cold temperatures. Many websites have guides so you can build your own emergency kit. Instructions may vary but will include all the basic essentials like a blanket, flashlight, small shovel, etc. If you do not feel like buying all of the separate items many stores sell prepared kits for you so now you do not have any excuses!
Check Your Policy - The worst time to check your insurance policy is after you have had an accident. Spend the time in the morning or on a lunch break and call your insurance provider. By asking questions about situations, updating your policy, and having informed conversations, your mind will be at ease if you happen to get into an accident this winter. Coverages such as towing can make a huge difference and can come at a lower cost than you might imagine.
Clean the Car - A dirty car can be a dangerous one. When individuals are asked about a safe car they are most likely to respond with answers describing tire pressure, brake pads, and oil changes, but little thought is given to inside the car. When your vehicle is dirty on the inside, it can pose a threat to your safety. Why you may be skeptical, consider the following situation: while driving to work, you realize that you forgot a report for your boss at home. As you tear into the overwhelming pile of receipts and empty coffee cups on your passenger side, you look away from the road for a second. When you find the paper, you gaze up to see brake lights. As you panic and step on the brake pedal, your foot gets snagged on a fast food wrapper and you collide into the trunk of the vehicle in front of you. While this may be a bit of an excessive situation, the point is a clean car removes another list of potential distractions and lets your drive with a clearer mind.
Winter can be a messy time for accidents and some we cannot fully avoid. While that is unfortunate, hopefully these steps provide you with the tools to tackle any obstacle with a proactive mindset.