As the temperature is dropping this afternoon, you may begin your commute home this evening amidst light snow. It is important to remember a couple of things when preparing to drive in the snow:
Leave Early and Drive Slowly
Expect your travel time to be longer because of slow-moving traffic, low visibility or even intermittent road closures. Check your state’s Department of Transportation for information about road closures and road conditions before leaving for your destination. Also, keep your snow brush and scraper handy.
Use Public Transportation Whenever Possible
Use public transportation such as the Metrolink if that is at all possible. Also, public buses employ professional drivers who are trained to deal with adverse weather conditions that you may or may not be able to handle in your vehicle. Call the transport company or look them up online to find out about schedules to limit the time you have to wait outside. More often than not, public transportation is not readily available to live especially if you do not live in St. Louis City.
Stay at Home and Wait for the Storm to Pass
If possible, leave early and get home before the storm begins or stay at home until the storm passes to reduce the time you are on the roadway in adverse conditions. Traveling in the snow is challenging as a driver but also because of the hazard of collisions with other motorists. You may be confident in your snow driving capabilities, but if you’ve driving in the St. Louis area during inclement weather, you know there are a lot of people out there driving that frankly, should not be.
Winter Weather Driving Safety
The most conveyed safety message by the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Illinois State Police regarding driving in winter weather is to SLOW DOWN and be patient. Repeatedly, in every public safety announcement, they encourage you not to drive unless you absolutely have to and to slow down and be patient.
Some other safety tips include:
- Never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage. Be sure that your garage is ventilated so that you are not breathing exhaust fumes.
- Make certain your tires are properly inflated. Experts tell us that we would get far better gas mileage if our tires are inflated at the correct pressure, but your tires will make your car easier to handle if they are inflated correctly.
- Never mix radial tires with other tire types
- Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up. Also, you never know what kind of traffic delays you will encounter and running out of gas will definitely ruin your night.
- If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather
- Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand)
- Always look and steer where you want to go
- Use your seatbelt every time you get into your vehicle.
- And be sure you are not fatigued and driving, and
- The rule I repeat most often- Do Not Drink and Drive
As you head home this evening, be safe driving. And of course, monitor the news regarding morning commute travel. Hopefully, the snow accumulation will be small and MoDOT and IDOT will be out treating roads tonight in order to minimize the driving hazard. Obviously, if you have to drive, then you must. When snow starts before the end of a work day, it is often impossible to just “not drive”. Just prepare that your commute may take longer than normal.
Have a Plan Before You Have a Crash:
We all would like to think that we are never going to be in a motor vehicle accident, however, statistics tells us that metropolitan drivers will be in an average of seven car accidents in their lifetimes. You really must know what your plan is before you are involved in a crash, even a minor crash. You can really only plan for car accidents that are NOT life-threatening. If you are involved in a life-threatening car crash, typically, you will not be conscious and dependent on emergency personnel to transport you to medical care. However, you have to be prepared for the minor property damage car accident when you are able to get out of your car, exchange information and speak with authorities. I have written many articles on the crucial steps after a car accident.
It is handy to download my Car Crash Accident Information Form from my website allinjuryattorney.com. It is a good idea to print out this form and put it in your glove box. Planning for an accident does not mean that you are “wishing an accident” upon yourself. Just as we prepare fires and tornadoes by doing emergency drills, we must prepare for many kinds of unplanned events. There is information that is crucial after a motor vehicle accident and by planning ahead and getting that information, you may make following up with the insurance company far easier. I know, ugh–no one relishes the thought of dealing with their insurance company.
I have done blogs and videos talking about How Do I know if I Need an Attorney? because you do not always need an attorney following a motor vehicle crash. If you are injured and require medical treatment, then you may need an attorney. If you have any questions following an accident and are not sure, our attorneys are available seven days a week for free consultations and to answer your questions toll free (800) 685-3302 or locally (314) 276-1681
Summary Article Name Light Snow Predicted for St. Louis Area-Drive Safely Author Zane T. Cagle Description Light snow is predicted for the greater St. Louis area. Zane reminds you to prepare for winter weather driving and to make a plan of action in case you are ever in a car accident.
