- Massachusetts Department of Transportation
The Winter Solstice, on December 21st, marks the beginning of the winter season. It is also the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. The good news is that the days start to become longer after this date!
It also coincides with a busy travel time of the year, marked by holiday events, school vacations, and increased road traffic to visit family and friends. Take a few minutes to prepare yourself for the holiday rush and the impending wintry weather conditions that will impact safe driving on Massachusetts roads.
As New Englanders, we face the winter by being ready for snow, ice, and traffic. Reduced visibility and traction don’t have to add to your risk if you prepare.
- Snow on the ground and the low angle of the sun can create hazards to visibility. It’s not beach weather, but sunglasses are a necessity even in the winter to keep your vision sharp.
- Keep your windshield clean both inside and out. Never drive without removing all the snow from your windows. Consider replacing your wiper blades to improve the clearing of frost and snow.
- Snow and ice can cover road markings. Keep your attention on the road and slow down to keep in your lane.
- Advanced safety features in vehicles, such as traction control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), and lane departure warning systems, are effective technologies when used appropriately. Don’t rely entirely on these in winter driving, as snow and ice can obscure the lines that assist some automated features and limit warning alerts.
- Freezing rain can be very dangerous and increase the risk of a crash if you do not drive carefully. Hydroplaning is a risk and is often invisible to the driver. A wet road can become an icy road once the temperature drops.
Tricky weather, icy roads, and extra traffic are part of winter life here in Massachusetts. A good driver prepares for the challenge and gets home safely. Happy Holidays and Safe Travels!
The MAPFRE Insurance-sponsored MassDOT Highway Assistance Program is on patrol to help all motorists, including motorcyclists, on the highways. Patrol operators monitor some of the state’s busiest highways around Metro Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cape Cod (seasonal). The Highway Assistance Patrol covers 13 major state roadways and interstates, the Emergency Service Patrol covers the Mass Pike (I-90) from New York to Boston and the Incident Response Operators cover the Metropolitan Highway System and tunnels. The Highway Assistance Patrol is in service Monday–Friday between 6 a.m.–10 a.m. and 3 p.m.–7 p.m. During holidays, there are extended routes in heavy-traffic areas. On I-90, and in Boston’s tunnel system, assistance is provided 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
Written by,
Your friends at MAPFRE Insurance
