4 Ways to Keep Your Family Alive on Minnesota Roads

According to the Department of Public Safety, these four simple steps could help keep your family alive on Minnesota roads this holiday season.

There were 402 deaths on Minnesota roads in 2023, and we've already hit that mark in 2024 with six more weeks to go. The State Patrol says that 80% of those deaths could likely have been avoided with these four simple things:

• Wear Seat Belts:  This includes using proper fitting car safety seats.
• Obey the Speed Limit:  Speaks for itself I think.
• Drive Unimpaired:  Alcohol, drugs, whatever -- don't get behind the wheel.
• Pay Attention to Surroundings:  Don't drive distracted. (Put down that phone.)

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I had an uncle that was a Minnesota trooper in the 70s and 80s who used to tell us that he never had to unbuckle a dead driver or passenger at a crash scene. Meaning that when responding to accidents, nobody that he had come across was dead while wearing a seatbelt (although that could have come later).

Make sure your vehicle is ready for winter driving. Winterizing your vehicle will help to avoid breakdowns. Many auto repair stations offer “Winterizing” service. Have a certified mechanic check the following:

• Battery
• Wipers and washer fluid
• Antifreeze
• Brakes
• Flashing hazard lights
• Heater
• Ignition system
• Thermostat
• Lights
• Exhaust system
• Defroster
• Oil level
• Tires and air pressure (consider getting snow tires or chains)

Before You Drive

• Check current road conditions. Go  www.Mn511.org for the latest information.
• Set the car radio to stations that regularly broadcast weather warnings, traffic reports and instructions.
• Assemble an emergency kit and keep it in the vehicle throughout the season.
• Keep essential items in the car. Include paper road maps (even if you have GPS), a cell phone with charger, a shovel, windshield scraper, tow rope, booster cables, and a reflector or brightly colored cloth to use as a distress signal. Include a bag of sand/salt or non-clumping cat litter to place under tires if stuck in snow or ice.
• For long trips, tell someone where you are going, the routes you intend to travel and when you expect to return. When you reach your destination, call to report you have arrived.
• Stay on designated roads or detours. Avoid “short cuts” off main highways, as these may not be plowed or patrolled.
• Before leaving town, fill your gas tank. While traveling, stop frequently to refill your tank.

You can get a handful of other safe driving tips courtesy of Nationwide Insurance HERE.