With 70 degree temperatures in February, we all thought and hoped to be done with severe winter storms, but the biggest snowstorm of the year is expected to hit Massachusetts tomorrow. If you’re planning on hitting the roads during the storm, keep these blizzard driving tips for MA residents in mind.
Prep Your Car Today!
Don’t wait for the snow to arrive to prep your vehicle. Here are a few things that you should do today:
- Fill up your gas tank.
- Add windshield washer fluid.
- Put a good snow brush in your car.
- Store some food and water in the car (just in case).
- Put a small shovel in the trunk of your car.
- Store a flashlight, road flares, glow sticks and other other vehicle safety equipment that you may have in your vehicle.
- Be sure to take your hat, snow gloves, and other winter gear with you!
Clearing Off Your Vehicle
By the time you leave work at 5pm, much of the snow will have fallen already. Like most people, you may start your vehicle before clearing off snow. Make sure you remove snow from the rear exhaust first! This ensures that dangerous carbon monoxide gas does not get pushed back into your vehicle. Be thorough with your snow removal. A clear front and rear windshield ensures good visibility. Front headlights and rear lights are important for other vehicles to see you. Lastly, snow on your hood or trunk can fly off and become a hazard to other drivers. Basically, get all of the snow off of your car for your safety and the safety of other drivers around you!
Blizzard Driving Tips for MA Residents
Once you’re on the road, take extra precautions.
- Keep your headlights on at all times.
- Reduce your speed as the road conditions will be slippery.
- Slower speeds also give you more time to react to road hazards.
- Keep extra distance between you and the car in front of you, in case you need to make a quick stop.
- Stay on well traveled lanes on the highway.
- Do not follow plows too closely.
- Beware of pedestrians! It may be difficult to see them from behind large snowbanks, so approach intersections and crosswalks carefully.
- Limit distractions.
Blizzards are accompanied by heavy snow and high winds, so it’s important to take it slow and be alert. We hope that these blizzard driving tips for MA residents help you make it home safely during tomorrow’s storm!