Winter Driving Safety Tips

At long last, after such a turbulent year for most Americans, the winter holidays are almost here—and with them comes the famous Minnesota winter weather. As you enjoy the holiday season, you’ll undoubtedly end up driving back and forth to the grocery store or to various shops for gifts. While you’re on the road, here are some important winter driving safety tips, courtesy of your local trucking company in Minnesota.

Hit the shop

The smartest thing you can do to keep yourself and other drivers safe while driving in winter weather is to get your vehicle into the mechanic. Make sure your tires are prepared for icy roads (consider switching out your summer tires for cold-weather ones). You should also make sure your car is stocked with plenty of windshield wiper fluid and antifreeze so that, when snow falls, you’re prepared to handle it.

Remember, these are the bare minimum of things to check for. If you have broader issues in your engine, this is the time to fix them.

Have an emergency kit

There is no such thing as a Minnesota winter where the snow doesn’t fall—as a trucking company in Minnesota, we know that for a fact! That means you need to make sure you have a kit in your car for emergencies. Here’s what drivers should keep in their vehicles:

• Ice scraper
• Flashlight
• Jumper cables
• Two dry blankets
• Road flares and emergency markers
• Kitty litter to help your vehicle get traction if you’re stuck in the snow
• A large bottle of water and some nonperishable food items
• If you take regular medicine, consider keeping a few capsules of each medication in the car as well

These emergency items will help you persevere if you find yourself stuck in the snow in Minnesota.

Know your route

If you’re going on a prolonged outing or heading somewhere new, make sure to plan your route beforehand. If you are on your own, make sure you let someone else know where you’ll be headed and which route you’re taking. That way, on the off chance you get stuck, you’ve got someone who knows where you’ll be.

Don’t take risks

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, it can be tempting to get aggravated, having to drive around to complete errands. That attitude causes you to speed up and make mistakes while you’re driving. Rash driving in snowy weather is a recipe for an accident. Make sure to slow down and stay alert.

Work with the best

Finely-tuned trucks, a track record of safety and an unfailing commitment to on-time delivery are just a handful of reasons K-Way Express, Inc. is known as a reliable trucking company in Minnesota. Since we opened for business in 1949, we’ve continued to provide a variety of transportation and logistics solutions to customers throughout the region.

Regardless of your shipping needs, we’re ready to provide the solution. Give us a call to find out more about how K-Way Express, Inc. can help your business this winter and beyond.