With the holidays upon us, also comes the slick and snowy road conditions. And while for many people winter road trips are an annual holiday occurrence, the roads during the holiday season are bound to be more busy than usual due to people avoiding the busy airports with the current COVID-19 pandemic.
The weather can change quickly when you are focused on driving, so preparing yourself for the unexpected is always wise before heading out on a long road trip. Not only will these tips help to keep you and others on the road safe, but can make your road trip much more enjoyable and stress-free. Read on for some of our top winter road trip tips from Woods & Thompson, P.A. in snowy Minneapolis, and give our law firm a call today with any questions.
Winterize Your Vehicle
No one likes encountering vehicle problems — especially during this time of the year. Fast-changing and harsh winter weather can be particularly brutal on your car, so be sure that you take steps to winterize it before hitting the road. Winterizing your vehicle includes:
- Getting your car serviced
- Checking your battery
- Checking your cooling system
- Filling up your windshield wiper fluid
- Examining your windshield wipers and defrosters
- Inspecting your tires and getting snow or all-season tires if necessary
- Stocking your car with a scraper, shovel, etc.
Have an Emergency Kit
While we never expect an emergency to happen, you will thank yourself if you prepare for the unimaginable. Even for something as small as getting your car stuck in the snow, having the necessary equipment on-hand can not only help make getting your car out much easier but can also help to keep you alive if you were to ever get stranded. The quote “it’s always better to be safe than sorry,” very much applies to winter driving.
Check the Weather
And do so at least a week before you leave on longer road trips. This can help save you from not only unsafe driving conditions but also from doubling your road trip time due to slower speeds and poor visibility. For example, if you are leaving on a road trip from Minneapolis to Colorado in a week, if you see a winter storm in the forecast along your route through South Dakota, you can opt to take another clearer route such as Nebraska. Keep checking back throughout the week as well as the day of your trip so you can know what to expect during your drive.
Utilize Mobile Winter Weather Warnings
If you are using your phone as a hands-free GPS, get the most up-to-date weather warnings and advisory information sent to your phone. This way, you will know if there is a sudden change of weather, such as an unexpected snowstorm, and you can plan ahead for it.
To learn more about winter driving safety, visit the National Weather Service winter safety website. By following these tips, your winter drives will feel much more comfortable and stress-free. If you have any other questions or have been involved in a car accident due to another individual’s negligence, give our Minneapolis personal injury law firm a call at Woods & Thompson, P.A. today to get the compensation that you deserve.