Winter Driving Tips

STAY BACK STAY ALIVE

Winter traveling in Minnesota can be a great challenge for the traveling public and Mn/DOT employees. Conditions can change within a matter of miles on the same road. The public must be prepared for the changing conditions and adjust accordingly to make travel safe and to arrive at their destination.

Snow can arrive as early as the middle of October and continue through May. We can see a trace of snow to many inches of snowfall during each storm. Many different factors can contribute to what type of storm we will see and how severe it will be, for instance, a storm with temperatures in the twenties is much easier to handle then a storm where the temperatures are in the single digits. Below zero temperatures can affect the roadway surface with black ice forming. Many other factors such as wind, snow, sleet, rain, temperatures, and surface temperatures can determine the type of storm we will receive.

Mn/DOT takes a proactive role in maintaining the driving surface of all our roadways. We provide 24-hour, seven-day operations and an extensive anti-icing and de-icing program to reduce winter hazardous driving. Mn/DOT has implemented various public relation campaigns to inform the traveling public on the new initiatives we are implementing as well as safe driving tips.

Winter Driving Tips

Assume that snowplow drivers cannot see you. Never drive into a snowcloud.
An average snowplow weighs 50,000 lbs., your car weighs 3,000 lbs. - do the math. If you are involved in a collision with a snowplow, you will most likely be seriously injured or killed. Increased speed limits do not mean increased traction on the roads - slow down. Plows travel 30 to 50 mph slower than other vehicles - reduce your speed. Do not take chances on winter roadways. Give the plow the room to work safely

Winter Driving & Preparation

PLAN - Make sure your vehicle is equipped with booster cables, road flares, a shovel, snowmobile suit, sleeping bag or blankets, mittens, stocking cap and boots, windshield scraper and tow rope. Finally, equip your vehicle with a winter survival kit.

PREPARE YOUR VEHICLE - Make sure your vehicle is prepared for Minnesota's harsh winters. Test your anti-freeze, battery, brakes, exhaust and lights. Never travel with less than a half tank of gas.

PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORECASTS - Listen to forecasts, road reports and storm warnings and TRUST THEM

WINTER SURVIVAL KIT - Flashlights, hand/foot warmer packets, first aid supplies, high energy candy or snacks, brightly colored cloth to tie on vehicle's antenna for help if stranded, candle, matches and a small metal container to melt snow for drinking water, pencil, paper and change for phone calls.

Stranded in a Snowstorm

STAY IN YOUR VEHICLE - Walking away in a storm is very dangerous. You can lose your way, wander out of reach, become exhausted, collapse and even die. Your vehicle is your best shelter.

KEEP CALM - Calm down and think. Remember, the storm will end and you will be found. Your main concern should be to conserve body energy and heat. You will not starve to death. Do not attempt to push your car or shovel in extreme storm conditions. It's too dangerous due to injury from tools, a slipping vehicle, exhaustion, heart attack or overexertion.

KEEP FRESH AIR IN YOUR VEHICLE - It's better to be chilly and awake than to be comfortably warm and be overcome with carbon monoxide fumes. Keep your exhaust pipe free of snow and run your engine only for short periods of time, leaving a downwind window slightly open.

KEEP WARM WITHOUT FUEL - Keep your blood circulating freely. Loosen tight clothing and change positions frequently. Move your arms and legs, massage fingers and toes, tuck your hands between your legs or under your armpits. Cuddle with eachother to share heat. Elevate your feet to improve circulation. DAIL 911 - If you have a telephone, you should dial 911. Describe your location, the condition of those in the car and what happened. Stay on the line until you know who you have spoken with and what will happen next.

For current road conditions call the 24-hour statewide recorded road condition information numbers: 1-800-542-0220 or 651-405-6030 TTY (for deaf, hearing-impaired or hard of hearing people) 1-800-657-3994 or 651-296-9930 or online at current road conditions.

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