In early January, Louisiana state government offices were closed in nearly 30 perishes because of dangerous winter weather. The closures affected several government offices, as well as the Baton Rouge airport, and many schools dismissed students early.

For the time being, temperatures have climbed and severe weather has abated in most of Louisiana. But weather is unpredictable. As we saw last August in Lafayette and Baton Rouge, winter isn’t the only time we should practice vigilance on the road.  But snow and ice in Louisiana do increase the likelihood of car accidents.

Now is a good time to review winter weather safety tips to ensure safe conditions for all who share our roadways, and to avoid auto accidents and personal injury.

Be Prepared

According to the American Red Cross, one of the easiest things we can do is prepare for extreme weather before it occurs. With regards to drivers and their automobiles, follow these tips during winter weather or if conditions should become severe:

• Prepare an emergency kit for your vehicle. This might include things like warm gloves and a jacket, ice melt for emergency traction, and a flashlight.
• Try to keep your gas tank full; a full tank will help keep the gas line from freezing.
• Check tires to ensure proper tread levels and tire pressure.
• Tune a station to local weather channels to keep an ear on sudden weather changes.
• Check the exhaust pipe before driving to ensure it’s free of snow or other debris.
• Know where you are going and how to get there before you leave.

On the Road

While it’s advisable to stay inside if you can during extreme winter weather, there will be times when you must take to the road. Follow these safety tips for driving in winter weather:

• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed garage to warm it up. Always open the garage first.
• Always use a seatbelt.
• If possible avoid using your parking break, which may stick in freezing temperatures.
• Avoid using cruise control; stay focused to the road while you drive.
• Give yourself extra time to get where you are going.
• Pause a few seconds longer at large intersections or stops. In the event another driver is unable to stop before entering an intersection, this will help you avoid a collision.
• Always accelerate and decelerate slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill in the snow or ice if you can avoid it.
• Be aware that vehicles with anti-lock brakes may vibrate when activated if roadways are snow covered or icy.
• If you become stuck or snowbound, stay in your vehicle. Poor visibility during a storm puts pedestrians at a greater risk. Stay in your vehicle to keep warm until someone can help you.

Stay Safe in Louisiana

Share these tips with all driving household members. Winter weather does not discriminate between experienced drivers and those just learning to take the wheel. Teen drivers in particular will benefit from this review, as some may not have encountered severe conditions during their training.

The first few days after a heavy snowfall can be the most dangerous, as it often takes drivers a few days to adjust their driving habits. Be prepared for winter weather and practice the tips listed above to keep yourself and other drivers safe during unpredictable weather this season.

Nevertheless, car accidents do happen, even despite our best efforts to avoid them.