3 Tips to Improve Your Winter Work Commute

Having trouble commuting in the snow lately?

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Commuting in the snow is a reality for many Americans right now. Everything from unexpected delays, staying safe on the roads, and making sure that you can get to work are all difficulties that we experience every week. Even though winter can be overwhelming, some simple tips can go a long way to making your daily commute so much better.

PSI understands how difficult things can get in the winter, so here are three simple tips to improve your winter work commute!

1. Make Your Life Easier

When it comes to commuting in the snow, sometimes the smallest items can make the biggest difference. This week, the PSI team has created a list of items that have helped them during this particularly snowy winter. Here are the items that we all recommend to improve your commute!

Winter Commute Items Checklist

• Heated Blanket for Your Car- Do you always feel too cold in the car on the way to work? Here is the solution! A heated blanket that will run off of your car’s electrical port. Never feel cold in the car during the winter ever again.

• Hand Warmers- These are an essential for any cold snowy day. Put them in your coat pockets and keep your hands warm when you stop at a stoplight. Another great tip is to put them in your snow boots!

• Snow Tires- Make sure your tires are in good condition and think about opting for snow tires! It may seem a bit unnecessary, but you will definitely enjoy them if you commute often in the winter!

• Windshield Cover- A windshield cover will keep all of the snow and ice off of your windshield. Simply remove it after the storm and you are good to go!

• Jumper Cables- Always be prepared for the unexpected with a pair of jumper cables in your trunk. If your car unexpectedly stops working, or if you need to assist someone that needs help, this item is a must during the winter months!

Although some of these items may seem like they are not needed, every little bit of preparation will help on a snowy morning! Let us know which one of these items you think is the most helpful by commenting now! Scroll to the bottom of the post and click comment now!

2. Pay Attention and Plan Ahead

On top of making your commute easier, paying attention is key to being prepared. The more that you can learn about conditions before getting in the car, the safer you will be.

Try setting weather alerts on your phone to always stay up to date on what is happening. Social media is another great tool to stay current on the weather. Join community Facebook groups to talk with your neighbors about how roads are along your commute. They may also be able to let you know what routes will be better to travel by in the event of any closed roads. The more that you know about your commute, the better!

Once you know what the weather will be like, it is important to plan ahead as much as you can. Communication is key when alerting your employer about a winter weather event that may impact your commute. If you are able to work from home, then make sure to contact your boss and let them know about your situation. If you are not able to work from home, make sure to still let your boss know that you may be late to work. Leaving up to an hour earlier than usual may also be a good idea if you are required to be at work during a specific time on a snowy day. On top of leaving extra time, make sure to always plan ahead if roads are looking particularly hazardous.

Plan ahead and stay as safe as possible!

3. Drive Slowly and Safely

Our last tip to improving your winter commute is to always take it slow when driving. Sometimes it can be a bit confusing for how to actually drive safely during the winter weather, so here are some concrete tips to help you out!

Winter Weather Driving Tips

1. Keep it Slow- This tip is pretty self-explanatory. Make sure to keep your speed down while traveling during winter weather.

2. Don’t Break on Ice- If you happen to encounter patches of ice on your way to work, try not to slam on the breaks right away. This can cause you to lose control of your vehicle. Slowly take your foot of the gas and apply your break gently.

3. Take Main Roads- If you normally commute through back roads, it may be smart to plan ahead and use main roads. They are more likely to be treated and plowed.

4. Keep Your Lights On- Visibility is often key when driving in a snow storm. Keep your lights on to make sure that others around can see you!

When using all of these tips, remember to always stay calm and collected. If you do end up having difficulties in wintry weather, take some time to pull off of the road and relax for a minute.’

Are you currently commuting in all of the snowy weather? Let us know what your favorite tips are on Instagram of Facebook. Click the buttons below to let us know!