Its that time of the year again! The air is sharp, snow is falling, and it is almost as if we are living in a winter wonderland. Well, according to the US National Library of Medicine, “Poor weather-related driving conditions are associated with 7,000 fatalities, 800,000 injuries, and more than 1.5 million vehicular crashes annually in the United States.” Which means, driving in our “winter wonderland” won’t be so wonderful if you happen to crash, along with over a million others who will this year in the US. In order to prevent yourself, and others, from being dangerous on the road, here are six helpful tips to ensure your safety on the roads this winter:

1. Leave yourself plenty of room behind the car in front of you: Riding another person’s bumper in bad weather is

   

   not a wise idea. Leave yourself at least 20 feet of room between each car, just in case the person in front of you slams on their brakes, or if you are driving on ice.
2. Heat your car up before making the morning commute: If you happen to be someone who parks their car in their driveway overnight, listen up. I’m sure you have started your ice-cold car in the morning, and when driving toward the rising sun, have been blinded by the light! Starting your car an extra ten minutes earlier than normal will give the engine enough time to warm up, which will give the defroster time to melt the small sheet of ice on the windshield every morning.
3. Put sandbags in the back of your car to help from sliding on snow or ice: Another tip for driving in unsafe conditions is to put a few sandbags in the back/trunk of your car. Especially with front wheel drive cars, there is no weight in the back, because all the power goes to the front wheels, and the engine also weighs down the front. By putting sandbags in the back of your car, you are able to add the weight that is necessary to keep your car from sliding all over the road.
4. Keep a first aid or survival kit in your car: If you happen to slide off of the road, or break down when no one is around, do not panic. Call 911, if crash is serious, or call for a tow truck to come to the rescue. While waiting, you should have some sort of survival kit in your car to keep you warm and safe until help arrives. A warm blanket, gloves, winter hat,

   

   boots, and winter jacket, are among the essential items for one to keep in his or her car. Also, most cell phone providers provide free roadside assistance as part of their plan. So remember not to panic, and to be prepared for a scary situation when traveling in the snow. Also you can visit http://blog.allstate.com/super-vehicle-emergency-car-kit/ to help build your own survival kit.
5. Wear your seatbelt at ALL times: This may be the most important tip of them all. Wearing your seatbelt can decide whether you live or die, and must not be tested. So, just remember to put on your seatbelt in your car and to remind all passengers to do so as well.
6. Stay home if going out is not necessary: Watch the weather channel before leaving your house. If the road conditions look unsafe to travel on, use your best judgment on whether to leave or not. It is always safer to stay at home, rather than taking dangerous chances on the road.

Following these helpful tips may safeguard your chances of being safe on the winter roads while your peers are driving around dangerously. I hope everyone has a great, safe, winter and makes sure to take these tips into account each time you are entering your car this winter season.