Safety on the roads takes on extra importance when weather turns icy and cold
Being prepared can make a difference in driver and passenger safety.
Ways to be Prepared for Winter Weather
- Slow down
- Plan your ahead
- Avoid travel during weather events
- Watch for weather alerts
- Headlights on
- Leave room for the plow
- Move over for flashing lights
- View roadways from a plow or traffic cam on MN511
- Adjust your route
- Fuel up
- Call ahead to check for cancellations
- Get a vehicle check up (tires, fluids, etc.)
- Have your car kit ready
![Man driving in winter weather Man driving in winter weather](https://redwoodcounty-mn.us/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/7-square-ded11f389765f1e87ef8568be5998fa7-ogynf7601zpa.png)
![winter car survival kit Woman's hand holding pen over winter survival checklist on clipboard](https://redwoodcounty-mn.us/wp-content/uploads/bb-plugin/cache/winter-car-survival-kit-square-b03a61550617d7bfb884a06ca9826535-uw4dpfjzqm0l.jpg)
Winter Survival Kit Checklist
- Blankets
- Boots
- Jacket
- Gloves
- Hat
- Small candles and matches
- Snacks
- Red bandana or cloth
- Whistle
- Cell phone charger/adapter
- Plastic flashlight and batteries
- Pencil and paper
- Sand or kitty litter
- Booster cables
- Towing cable or chain
- Road flares or reflectors
- 30 foot cord for homing line if exiting vehicle
Slick, icy roads can result in dangerous driving conditions.
Review these tips before driving in the winter:
![Car stuck in snowy roadway. Two people pushing car. Car stuck in snowy roadway. Two people pushing car.](https://redwoodcounty-mn.us/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Winter-Weather-Images-5.png)
More winter driving safety tips:
- Don’t drive distracted.
- Slow down to a safe speed for current conditions.
- Stay alert for snowplows, which travel slower, turn often or exit frequently. Snowplows may travel over centerlines or partially into traffic to clear roads and improve conditions.
- Stay back at least 10 car lengths behind the plow. Don’t drive into a snow cloud.
- Turn headlights on.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Be patient and remember snowplows are working to improve road conditions for your trip.