The Minnesota Winter Hazard Awareness Week topic for Friday is Winter Driving. Polk County Deputy Jesse Haugen encourages drivers to be prepared for winter road conditions by preparing a winter survival kit. “It’s important to ensure that your vehicle has been serviced and is ready to take on the cold weather,” said Haugen. “A winter survival kit included in your vehicle could mean the difference between life and death in some situations. A kit could include boots, jackets, and gloves, even having some blankets. Have a spare cell phone charger to put in this kit. Have a flashlight and batteries, some bottled water, and snacks. Other options would be a set of booster cables and some handheld tools. There has also been talk of people having distress signs they could display in their windows. Maybe that sign could say help or anything like that. We’ve also heard of people having flashing lights they could put on top of their vehicle.”
Information is also available on road conditions around the state every day by calling 511 explained Haugen. “The 511 Information System is a phone information system providing roadway safety information 24 hours a day,” said Haugen. “Landline and cell phone users can call 511 for regional and statewide reports on traffic congestions, road and weather conditions, construction work, and other obstacles.”
Snowplows play an important role in keeping Minnesota’s roads traversable throughout the winter but they also present a hazard when operating. Haugen suggests the following safety tips for all drivers when near a plow. “Last year in Minnesota, there were 72 crashes involving vehicles that hit snowplows,” said Haugen. “This is typically caused by inattentive drivers, motorists driving too close to the plow, or motorists driving too fast for conditions. Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip. Stay back at least five car lengths behind the plow, far from the snow cloud. Snowplow operators will pull over when it is safe to do so to allow traffic build-up to pass. Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions and give yourself plenty of travel time. Snowplows typically move at slower speeds. Buckle up and ensure children are properly secured in the correct child restraint, and avoid unnecessary travel if road conditions are too poor.”
