Don't have a blue Christmas, practice these winter driving safety tips

Be prepared for winter weather

(Guest Column By State Rep Alex Zimmerman)

The holiday season is upon us and many Hoosiers will be traveling near and far. While we are still experiencing above average temperatures, some days in recent weeks have had morning temperatures in the mid-20s. Now is a good time to make sure you're prepared for driving in winter weather.

The Indiana Department of Transportation offers an easy-to-use, one-stop website with information for winter driving and weather conditions at in.gov/indot. From there, you can check the county travel advisories map to see if your county is under a weather warning, and click on INDOT's Trafficwise map for incident and construction information. You can also find out more about INDOT's plowing procedures and review helpful winter driving safety precautions on the online portal. It's an excellent tool that can help families get prepared for their holiday travel plans.

Remember, ice and snow take it slow. INDOT says that driving slow is the key to staying safe along with following other safety tips. Beware when going through intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady areas, as black ice can be waiting. Roads that seem dry may be slippery and dangerous. By reducing speed, you can avoid a potential accident. Don’t forget to leave plenty of distance between cars, since winter conditions mean more time is needed to brake and decelerate. While slowing down, never slam on the brakes. Instead, brake early and slowly to ease the car's momentum and stop safely. Always watch out for snowplows and give them plenty of space as these workers clear the roads.

It's good to be prepared if you do get stuck in the cold while your car is broken down. Packing a flashlight, blankets, gloves, boots and first-aid kits in your vehicle can really help to keep you and your family safe while waiting for help.

I wish all Hoosiers safe travels this winter and encourage everyone to visit in.gov/indot for more safety tips, weather advisories and other helpful tools.