“ASK A TROOPER” with Sgt. Troy Christianson of the Minnesota State Patrol

Question: Can you talk about winter driving safety?

Answer: This is a great time to talk about it and remind drivers about the dangers of driving on slippery roads and reducing chances of being involved in a crash.

• Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are poor.
• Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are tightly secured.
• Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time.
• Increase safe stopping distance between vehicles.
• Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows.

• If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go.
• If vehicle has an anti-lock braking system (ABS), apply a steady firm pressure to the brake pedal. Never pump ABS brakes.
• Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights, and directional signals.
• Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting.
• Do not use cruise control on snow/icy/wet roads. Conditions can change over every hill and around every curve. Be very aware of bridge decks and overpasses as they become icy.
• Equip vehicles with a scraper/brush, small shovel, jumper cables, tow chain, and a bag of sand or cat litter for tire traction. Blanket(s), heavy boots, warm clothing, and flashlights are also important, as are storing high-energy foods such as chocolate or energy bars.
• Be sure cell phones are charged for long trips, and inform family of destination plans and schedule.
• If stranded, stay in the vehicle.
• Parents of teen drivers should make sure new motorists experience snow and ice driving in a safe environment, such as an empty parking lot.
• Slow down and move over for emergency vehicles parked at a scene.
• Have good winter type tires on your vehicle.
• Have a good set of windshield wipers on your vehicle.
• For weather-related road condition information, call 5-1-1 or visit www.511mn.org.

Remember that you can’t control how other drivers are driving, but you can reduce your chances of being involved in a crash if you follow basic winter driving safety tips.

If you have any questions concerning traffic related laws or issues in Minnesota send your questions to Sgt. Troy Christianson – Minnesota State Patrol at 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester MN 55901-5848. (Or reach him at, Troy.Christianson@state.mn.us)