Working in the Home Care Industry means a LOT of driving between clients and businesses for BrightStar Care staff. Defensive driving in wintery conditions is crucial for ensuring safety on slippery and unpredictable roads. We wanted to write a reminder to staff and clients about taking the time to refresh on driving in icy conditions!
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One of the first steps is to slow down. Snow, ice, and even wet roads can cause tires to lose traction, and driving too fast can lead to accidents. By reducing speed, drivers give themselves more time to react to potential hazards such as patches of ice, snowdrifts, or other vehicles that may be struggling to maintain control. Slowing down not only helps maintain control of the vehicle but also ensures a safer stopping distance in case of an emergency. Last Year, just one wintery storm in March caused over 200 crashes in the State of Minnesota! Slowing down is the best first step to take.
Taking turns with ease is another important aspect of defensive driving in wintery conditions. When roads are slippery, sharp turns can easily cause a car to skid or lose control. To prevent this, drivers should approach curves and bends gently, reducing speed before making the turn rather than during it. It's essential to avoid sudden steering movements, which can result in a loss of traction. Instead, making smooth, gradual turns allows the vehicle to stay balanced and more responsive to road conditions, reducing the chances of sliding out of control.
Highway Driving needs to be transitioned as well. Regardless of if you’re on 52, 22 or 14 in and out of Rochester, maintaining adequate space between your vehicle and the one in front of you is also a critical part of defensive driving in winter conditions. On slippery roads, it takes significantly longer to stop, so it's essential to increase the following distance. A good rule of thumb is to leave at least a six-second gap between your car and the one ahead, which gives you more time to react if the vehicle in front suddenly stops or loses control.
Finally, wearing your seatbelt is a non-negotiable safety measure that should always be a priority. In winter conditions, the likelihood of an accident increases, and wearing a seatbelt helps ensure that you're better protected in case of a collision. By following these defensive driving strategies, drivers can reduce the risk of accidents and stay safer on the roads. For more information, check out www.dot.state.mn.us.