If you don’t have to leave your home today, don’t. The best and safest place to be on a day like today is inside the cozy confines of your home. Given’s today’s adverse weather conditions and the large number of plows and snow removal equipment that will be on Boston’s roadways today, residents of the city are asked and encouraged to stay home.
However, if you do have to travel today, please take in consideration the following safety tips:
Speed and Distance: Most drivers know that the faster you go, the longer it will take you to stop your vehicle. As such, when accelerating on snow or ice, take it slow to avoid slipping and sliding.
Applying the Brakes: Brake early and slowly. Whenever possible, avoid slamming on the brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal. Either way, drive slowly and cautiously, remain aware of your surroundings and other vehicles so as to allow yourself ample time, space and opportunity to bring your car to a stop.
Control: When driving on ice and snow, avoid using cruise control and avoid abrupt steering maneuvers. When merging into traffic, again, take it slow and exercise ample caution. Given the uncertain and unsafe road conditions, slow driving is the best prescription for safe driving.
Vision: Be aware of what’s going on ahead, behind and next to you. If the car in front of you goes into a slide, your car could be next. Paying attention to others could alert you to potential problems and allow you sufficient time to act accordingly.