Winter weather in Missouri brings the potential for ice and snowstorms, and driving conditions can quickly deteriorate. Defensive driving is essential year-round but is especially so through the winter months. You can prepare for this winter in Missouri by learning all you can about staying safe during the worst driving conditions. Here are four tips for winter driving in Missouri.
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Avoid Non-Essential Trips
If you find yourself in the middle of a winter weather advisory, only drive when necessary. Places you may deem as essential trips during hazardous road conditions can include the grocery store, the hospital, work, etc. Otherwise, it is best to stay off the road if at all possible and wait for road and weather conditions to improve before venturing out.
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Create a Winter Car Survival Kit
Having what you need in an emergency isn’t always possible, but when it comes to winter driving, you can assemble the items you may need into a survival kit. Things to include in this kit are a small broom, hats, socks, gloves or mittens, a fluorescent distress flag, a spare radio with batteries, water, flares and matches, a windshield scraper, a flashlight, jumper cables, snacks or emergency type food, a shovel, shingles or sand for emergency traction, and a first aid kit. Any or all of these items could save your life during a winter driving emergency.
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Change How You Drive
Winter road conditions in Missouri may require you to change how you drive. During inclement weather, you can benefit from taking specific steps to ensure your safety and the safety of others on the road. Allow yourself more driving time so you can drive slower, take the time to clear snow and ice from your vehicle for increased visibility, and drive with your headlights on regardless of the time of day. By taking these few precautions to heart, you will help maintain safer road conditions through the winter months.
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Monitor Weather and Road Conditions
Stay apprised of the road and weather by watching your local news stations. Keeping track of these conditions will let you know when it is safest to travel in your area. If you must travel, the Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) offers a traveler information map that can be accessed via an app from your mobile device, providing you with the most current road conditions. You can also call the MoDOT customer service center 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The toll-free customer service number is 888-ASK-MODOT (888-275-6636).
Winters in Missouri can create some of the most hazardous driving conditions. If you find that you must drive during such situations, be prepared, and take extra precautions. Being safe on the road during inclement weather takes more than just driving slower. You would need to have a plan that includes staying informed of weather and road conditions, giving yourself the necessary time to reach your destination and to get back home safely, and having a survival plan if you were to become stranded.
Image via Pixabay.com.
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