We’re Not Good at Winter Driving Yet, Lots of Crashes Yesterday in Minnesota
In Minnesota we're pretty proud of our winter driving skills. Snow, sleet, ice -- no problem. In many states to the south, a little snow sends everyone into the ditch and schools closed for a week.
I lived in southern Indiana for a while and they don't even have plows. If it snows, they put everything on hold until it melts. (Also kinda fun.)
Truth be told, the first few times it snows in Minnesota each season, we immediately realize that we have a very short memory; completely forgetting what the best practices are for driving on ice or snow. In fact, it seems a lot like we've never done it before.
This fall has been very mild, and we haven't really experienced many winter driving days yet -- and then there was yesterday.
Wednesday was gross. I enjoy winter. I do not enjoy the wind. Yesterday started with temps in the thirties before things began to change. Drizzle, wind, snow, falling temps. It's the most wonderful time of the year -- so they say.
As of 4:00 pm Wednesday, the Minnesota State Patrol reported 108 property damage crashes, 12 injury crashes, 1 fatal crash, 57 vehicles off the road, 4 spin outs, and 3 jackknifed semis. Not a good day.
The State Patrol offers these tips for hitting Minnesota's highways in less than ideal winter driving conditions:
- Turn on your headlights.
- Slow down to give yourself more time to react to shifting wind conditions and blowing snow.
- Maintain a safe distance from other vehicles, including semi-trucks.
- Keep both hands on the steering wheel.
- Wear your seat belt.
- Put distractions away.
You van always find the latest winter driving road conditions, see MnDOT plow-cams, and any traffic disruptions with the MnDOT 511 site here.
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