Five Mom Inspired Driving Tips

Living in Chicago for nearly 30 years I have become very accustomed to the winter weather. Almost so much that I tend not to think about it and I can say I am not prepared at all. I admit I don't even have snow brush in my car. After what happened last year where hundreds of cars were trapped on Lake Shore Drive for hours I should be better prepared for anything even though I am in a big city. So here are 5 tips for not only you but me to follow:

1. Have proper winter equipment-snowbrush, ice scraper, small shovel are just some essentials. There have been times when I have even thrown the broom in my car because not only is it easier to brush the car off with but it is faster as well.

2. Keep an emergency winter kit in the car-extra blankets, snacks and bottles of water. Its probably a good idea to have snacks in the car anyways if you are a mom but even more so in the winter.

3. Keep a set of jumper cables in your car. Not savvy enough for jumper cables then there are also one time use jumpers that plud right into you cigarette lighter to get you going

4. Drive slowly and carefully. When it is snowing or sleeting go a little slower and take your time. It is easy to lose control when conditions are slick. My rule of thumb is to go with the flow of traffic so if everyone around me is going 20 miles an hour due to snow then so will I. Plus you want to make sure you keep a good distance between you and other cars. It is harder to stop in snow and ice and just because you may have 4 wheel drive and a snow plow the person next to you may have never driven in snow before.

5. My last tip is stay home! If weather conditions are bad and you don't have to go out then dont't. Especially if you have small children. It is hard enough traveling in the car with them on a regular day throw in a good snow storm and an extra two hours in the car and you have a tantrum waiting to happen.

Hopefully if I have not helped you to be a little more prepared and a little safer this winter season.




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