With everything from snow to frigid temperatures, winter weather is in full effect for St. Louis… and so is winter driving.

We’ve put together a list of things to keep in mind to help keep you safe on the roads when you have to do some winter driving. Driving in snowy, slippery, or icy conditions is certainly not ideal, but these tips should help!

Winter Driving Safety Tips

• Have a winter kit in your car. Your kit should include extra blankets/clothing, first-aid kit, flashlight (with spare batteries), a bag of sand/salt, ice scraper, and a small snow shovel.
• Remove all snow and ice. Before you hit the road, make sure your entire car is free of any snow or ice, including your roof, hood, headlights, brake lights, and license plate. Snow and ice flying off your car will not only put you at danger but can also endanger other vehicles on the road. (You do not want to be that car that has a “snow mattress” on top of their car!)
• Turn your headlights on. Visibility can be difficult during snowy or overcast weather and you want to make sure other vehicles see you coming.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full. f your car ever breaks down, you want to make sure you have plenty of gas to provide heat while you wait for help. (You can run your car heater for 10 minutes every hour to keep warm.)
• Be cautious on bridges and overpasses. The first roadways to ice over and become slick are bridges and overpasses due to being exposed to the elements from all angles.
• Check your wiper blades. Good visibility is one of the most important things you can do to stay safe while driving during snowy conditions. Also, check to make sure you have plenty of washer fluid as well in case you need to clean your windows.
• Do not pass snow plows or salt/sand trucks. The drivers of these vehicles tend to have limited visibility. Odds are the road conditions ahead of them are worse than behind them, so keep your distance and be extra cautious.

Most importantly, if you don’t have to go out during bad weather – DON’T! Winter driving is not for everyone and it’s best to wait the storm out and allow time for the snow plows to do their job. Even if you own a 4 wheel drive vehicle or a large SUV, don’t attempt to battle the weather if you don’t have to. We hope these tips keep you and your passengers safe during winter weather!

About Woodard Cleaning & Restoration

Woodard Cleaning & Restoration was founded in 1946 by Earl and Nancy Woodard. Today, the company is run by 3rd generation, Justin Woodard. Located in St. Louis, Missouri, Woodard services the greater metro area (Illinois, St. Charles County, Jefferson County, St. Louis County, and many more). Woodard is proud to serve as the preferred provider for cleaning & restoration services. Our cleaning services include carpet, hard surface, furniture, and rug cleaning for both residential and commercial properties. We also provide water, fire, board-up, storm and smoke restoration services for residential and commercial clients. For information or questions submit a form online or call us at 314-227-3932.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and Twitter.