At press time, Minnesota drivers were dealing with a third day of severe winter weather. The Minnesota State Patrol (MSP) reported that it had responded to 175 crashes statewide between midnight and 12 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4. Of those, 137 occurred in the Twin Cities Metro area. There were no serious or fatal crashes.
MSP also has responded to 192 cases of vehicles off the road (vehicle spin outs) and one jackknifed semi since midnight Dec. 4.
These crashes, along with the four fatal crashes on Minnesota roads that occurred earlier in the week, are a reminder that motorists need to plan ahead and adjust their driving to the weather.
MSP offers these safe winter driving tips:
. Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions are too poor. . Buckle up, and make sure child restraints are secured. It is recommended not to use bulky clothing when securing a child in a restraint. Use blankets on top of the child restraint harness, not beneath. . Drive at safe speeds according to road conditions, and provide for plenty of travel time. . Increase safe stopping distance between vehicles. If skidding, remain calm, ease foot off the gas, and turn the steering wheel in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go. . Clear snow and ice from vehicle windows, hood, headlights, brake lights and directional signals. . Headlights must be turned on when it is snowing or sleeting. . Do not use cruise control on snowy/icy/ wet roads. . Use extra precautions when driving around snowplows by keeping at least five car-lengths behind plows.
It also recommended that motorists prepare and keep handy a winter weather emergency kit. The kit should include coffee can and small candles and matches to use to melt snow for drinking water; brightly colored bandana or cloth to hang from the vehicle window to signal help is needed; large plastic garbage bags to tie around feet to keep them warm; safety pins to secure the garbage bags; whistle to alert authorities; snacks; cell phone adapter to plug into lighter; plastic flashlight and spare batteries; and extra hats, mittens, boots and blankets.
Motorists who are stranded should remain in their vehicle and call 911 for help.
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