Ways to safe winter travel

For any trip, make sure you vehicle is in great running shape. Check the oil and window cleaner levels before you leave. After that, take a look at your window wipers to see that they are in good condition. Visibility is always important, especially if we get caught in that storm. Make sure your anti-freeze is topped off too. You would not want to let your car sit outside and have it freeze up on you when you try to start it up again!

Keep your tires at the right pressure to get optimal gas mileage and ensure the best traction possible. It is also very important that you are sure of the condition of your spare tire as well, just in case you have that unfortunate blowout. If there is snow cover, clean off your headlights and taillights everytime you stop, which will allow other motorists to see you better.

Being prepared this time of year, or any, is always a good idea. Keep a blanket or two in the trunk. And make sure you are dressed appropriately. At least have jackets and boots in the car if you are not wearing them on the long trip.

A first-aid and a road hazzard kit is certainly a good thing to have in the car. In the event of an accident when no one else is around, you may need bandages and things of that nature as well as road flares to help flag down some help. And keep water and snacks in the vehicle while taking a long trip, which come in handy when you need a little boost, but will be quite necessary if you get stranded for any period of time.

We all know that the weather is unpredictable here in the state of Minnesota, especially this time of year; so before leaving for you destination, pay attention to signs of storms and try to leave at a time giving yourselves the most possible day light to travel in. Also, be cautious of road conditions. If there is a potential for ice, use your disgression as the roads may be very, very slippery.

My final tip is to follow the speed limits. We so often get in a hurry, especially when we are trying to make it to a holiday gathering on time and we are hauling two or three kids around. But it in any case, it is better to get there a few minutes late rather than end up in the ditch.

You may think that these are simple and obvious tips, but you will not realize how important they are until something happens. So for this season of holiday travel, lets use these tips and keep safe. I hope you all enjoy your holiday destinations. Season’s greetings to everyone!