By Sgt. Dewey Severson, Minnesota State Patrol

Here is a reminder that we are still in the middle of winter. Because it is January and we can still see the ground we sometimes get a false sense of security. Without snow to remind us that it may be slippery we need to keep reminding ourselves to be watching for the changing road conditions as we drive. For some, it takes inches of snow to get us to slow down. Unfortunately that little mist or freezing rain; which is hard to detect, is more dangerous than a foot of snow.

“We just don’t slow down as we should,” says Sgt. Dewey Severson of the Minnesota State Patrol. “There have been numerous crashes throughout the district resulting from roads that become frosty and slippery.” This can even occur on a sunny day when high winds may be blowing what snow is available around and across the highways. Constantly watching for the changing road conditions is your first defense to avoid crashes.

Slowing down and increasing your following distance to the 3 second plus rule when the conditions are not the best is also advisable. The speed limits are just that, limits not averages. The speed limits are for ideal conditions so slow down when there is reduced visibility or traction.

Defensive driving is important for everyone. As you drive down the road be aware of what is ahead of you to lessen the chances of a crash. Being aware means if there is an emergency vehicle on the edge of the roadway or close to it, you need to move to the next lane if on a multi-lane road. At least move to the left of your lane if there is not another lane available to safely go to and slow down. Give that worker the opportunity of safety.

Here in Minnesota this practice of moving over is referred to as Ted’s Law in memory of a partner, Ted Foss, who was killed on August 31,2000. In Illinois, it is called Scott’s Law in memory of a fireman who was killed on the Dan Ryan expressway. A majority of the states now have some form of Move Over Law. Give everyone the opportunity to return to their family at the end of their day.

(Sgt. Dewey Severson is a trooper with the Minnesota State Patrol in Rochester.)