5 Tips For Safe Winter Driving

It is important to be prepared for winter driving as it is a totally different environment being in ice and snow. There are many potential hazards that can occur, so hopefully these helpful hints will be an assistance to those looking to be safe drivers.

#1. My first recommendation is to make sure you have had some experience in winter driving if you are not accustomed to it. This is also a good idea for experienced drivers who may not have driven in winter conditions since last year. A good way to do this is to go to a parking lot of a closed business practicing turns and stops etc. This is a good safe way to get prepared for possible road conditions that may come during this season.
#2. One very important recommendation is to be careful to allow for plenty of braking time as you approach a stop sign or light. It is important to understand and remember that because of snow and ice, possibilities of skidding and sliding are greatly increased compared to normal driving conditions. Not stopping appropriately can lead to something as minor as a fender bender but obviously could also prove fatal if one was unable to stop and went into oncoming traffic.
#3. Use extra caution when on smaller roads. Many times country roads and those that are not highways will not have been cared for as quickly as major roads after snowfalls or freezing rain. It is very common for the salt trucks to service these roads after the highways, so do not assume that these roads are safe. As well the buildup of snow can increase quickly as the now plows again make the highways a priority over the smaller, less utilized roads.
#4. Use extra caution when in mall and apartment store parking lots. Though these normally get plowed in a relatively short time ice patches are normally still present and many times unserviced by a salt truck. Many drivers will assume they are in a quote on quote safe place to drive because they are off the highway and traffic generally is much smaller in a parking lot. This is where caution is needed as the driver needs to be sure to maintain a slow level of speed and drive very carefully, keeping their guard up in case another vehicle cannot stop.
#5. Beware of Pedestrians!! Many pedestrians are concerned more with getting out of the cold than they are safety unfortunately. So especially at crosswalks be extremely careful to allow for appropriate time to brake. Constantly be aware of any pedestrians regardless of the busyness of the particular road you are on. Again, it is imperative to be aware of any foot traffic in your vicinity.
As we consider safety tips for winter driving it is important to be mindful of the safety of others as well as yourself. Driving this time of year demands strict focus and is not a time to be talking on the cell phone or being distracted by playing with a radio dial. While the snow certainly provides much beauty during this season let us not forget to be careful, considerate, and cautious.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Esurance blogging program for 8,000 My SocialMoms Rewards Points. For more information on how you can participate, click here
Like Esurance on Facebook.

Scents from Nature

I greatly enjoy the smell of the woods when we go camping and hiking. The fresh scent is in total contrast to the odors that are noticeable in a city such as what emanates from the local factory, or the exhaust of numerous vehicles as they travel from place to place. Nothing can be equal to the refreshing smell of pine and cedar trees as well as beautiful flowers such as dandelions, and lavender. This reminds me of the times when I was a young person and my brother and I would go camping with our father. We would get away from it all, and enjoy fishing on the lakeside and spending time in the sleeping bag under the stars which was truly refreshing. The cookout was one of our most favorite times grilling hot dogs and roasting marshmallows walking on the hiking paths was a special time as well be it through the Adirondack mountains on the east coast, or Oregon and Wyoming in the western part of our country. On these hiking trails an individual could truly appreciate the wonderful scents that God has given us in the various plants, shrubs and trees in His creation. Many times the trail would lead to a beach side or a body of water that offered their own distinct yet pleasant odors. When the wind picked up in particular the environment became one of great serenity. Today many seem to enjoy the electronics of our age such as video games and television productions and do not appreciate the wonders that God has provided for us to enjoy. A canoe or small boat trip also resulted in much enjoyment for our family. Seeing the many birds and animals that seemed to stay closer to the water was another time of learning as well as a time of pleasure as they went about their busy life. Even as we would pass a football or throw a frisbee. Our camping trips were more reminiscent of the old days when families would spend much time together enjoying the great outdoors and conversing with one another. One instance comes to mind as we were trying to sleep in our tent, of looking out and seeing what looked like a bear putting wood on the fire. I was about eight years old, somewhat terrified and more than a little perplexed at this unusual occurrence. It was not until the next day that my father told us there was no bear but it was he who was out there with the campfire.

Let me know if you have a scent that takes you back to a certain time or place. Leave a comment below:)

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Seventh Generation blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here