Winter driving safety

We recently talked about winterizing your workplace and the need for care in snow shoveling and heavy lifting, but in the light of the recent blizzards plaguing much of the country, it's a good time to talk about winter driving safety. Of course, here in the Boston area, discussing this topic today is a bit like the proverbial closing of the barn door after the horse has escaped. But it's only January - winter could hold many more surprises.

For good advice on the topic, look to the North - if anyone ought to be experts on winter driving hazards, it should be our Canadian neighbors. The Canada Centre for Occupational Health and Safety has a comprehensive page on winter driving safety, ranging from preparing your vehicle and stocking a winter emergency kit to how to handle a skid and advice in case you are stranded in the snow. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation has specific advice on driving in whiteouts.

Minnesota's Department of Transportation also has good information on managing winter driving hazards, including tips for safe driving near or around snowplows and the hazards of black ice.

Allow extra time today and travel safely!