THE SAFETY NET
This Season, Keep Your Holiday Lights
Bright—And Your Home Safely Lit
Popular Mechanics | November 4, 2023
Don’t let your holiday cheer turn into a hazard.
It’s best to start decorating for the holiday season before the snowy days hit, so if you’re an annual user of outdoor string lights, now is the time to get started on your setup.
When using outdoor electric decor, it is essential to exercise caution and practice electrical safety.
We took advice from organizations like the NFPA and FEMA to help you have the safest holiday season when it comes to your favorite lights and inflatables.
• Start With an Inspection
• Pay Attention to the Plugs
• Know When to Switch Off
• Enjoy the Holiday Magic
There’s nothing like that first December weekend when the ladder comes out, the cocoa’s on, and the neighborhood starts to glow like the North Pole. But amid the tangle of twinkle lights and inflatable Santas , there’s a hidden hazard most people forget: Electricity doesn’t care how festive you’re feeling.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) warns that holiday lighting should be treated with the same respect as any home wiring project. If you skip the manufacturer’s directions, overload a circuit, or plug indoor gear into outdoor weather, your cheerful display can turn risky fast.
But even cheerful decor can conceal serious hazards. The NFPA warns that decorating with electrical devices should be treated with the same seriousness as any other wiring job—especially outdoors, where damp conditions and long run-times can turn a simple string of lights into a fire risk.
START WITH AN INSPECTION
First, give every holiday light string, plug, extension cord, and outlet a thorough inspection before use. Damaged wires, loose or cracked sockets, or frayed insulation all raise an alarm. According to a fire safety guide from the National Park Service, you should discard any lanterns or light sets showing signs of wear.
Outdoor-rated equipment is non-negotiable if your display ventures beyond the living room. Inside-only lights are simply not built to withstand rain, snow, or damp conditions. Meanwhile, the NFPA explains that even a modest installation retains risk. If your old fairy lights from last season are falling apart, it’s best to invest in some new lights.
PAY ATTENTION TO THE PLUGS
Power-management matters. It’s tempting to plug every string into one outlet, but that overloads circuits, drives up heat, and invites failure. Among Christmas tree-related home fires, electrical problems account for nearly one-third of incidents, according to FEMA
Choose heavy-duty, outdoor-rated extension cords and always plug into outdoor-rated outlets, also known as ground-fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), when you’re working outside. Avoid feeding more than three mini-light strands into one run unless the manufacturer explicitly permits it.
Physical installation matters just as much. Use insulated clips or hooks instead of nails or
staples that pierce the cord insulation. Keep cords away from high-traffic paths, avoid running them under rugs or door thresholds, and provide at least three feet of clearance from major heat sources.
KNOW WHEN TO SWITCH OFF
Another key step in the safety process is to schedule power-off times. Unattended lighting is a known risk factor. A timer or smart string light set can do the job: program the display to shut down or switch to “night mode” when you’ll be asleep or out.
Keep certification and duration in mind. Look for UL , ETL , or CSA -listed equipment, especially when the equipment will be used outdoors. Decorations left up for long stretches, or wired in what effectively becomes a fixed installation, may move beyond temporary use, and that changes the safety thresholds. Always consult the official recommendations of your decor manufacturer in cases like this.
ENJOY THE HOLIDAY MAGIC
So go ahead, channel your inner Clark Griswold, but do it like an engineer. Check your cords, mind your amperage, and give those LEDs the respect they deserve. The magic of decorating for the holidays isn’t in how many lumens you can cram into your hard; it’s in knowing your handiwork will keep glowing safely all season long. We’ve compiled all the essentials below so you can start decorating before the winter snow hits.
Holiday Safety Tips for Your Workplace
OSHA.com | December 19, 2024
The holiday season is a time for celebration and togetherness. However, for many businesses, it’s also a time for increased workplace hazards. From slippery floors and overloaded electrical outlets to heightened stress levels, the potential for accidents rises dramatically during this festive period. To ensure a safe and happy holiday season for your employees and customers, it’s essential to prioritize workplace safety. In this blog, we’ll provide essential tips to help you create a secure environment for everyone.
WORKPLACE INJURY AND FATALITY STATISTICS
Workplace injuries and fatalities remain a significant concern. While there has been progress in improving safety standards, accidents continue to occur.
In 2022, there were approximately 5,486 fatal work injuries and over 2 million non-fatal work injuries and illnesses in the United States. Construction, transportation, and warehousing are often associated with higher rates of workplace injuries. It’s important to note that these numbers represent a snapshot of a larger issue and that the actual number of injuries and illnesses is likely higher due to underreporting.
COMMON WORKPLACE HAZARDS DURING THE HOLIDAYS
The holiday season, while joyous, brings with it an increased risk of workplace accidents. Some common hazards include:
• Slips and falls: Increased foot traffic, wet floors from snow or rain, and clutter from decorations can contribute to slip and fall accidents .
• Fire hazards: Overloaded electrical outlets, flammable decorations, and improper disposal of smoking materials can lead to fires
• Overexertion: The rush to meet deadlines and increased workload can cause physical strain and injuries.
• Ladder safety: Decorating and stocking shelves often require ladder use , which can be dangerous if not done correctly.
• Electrical hazards: Faulty or damaged holiday lights and decorations can pose a risk of electric shock
• Stress and fatigue: Increased workload and personal holiday stress can lead to accidents due to decreased focus and alertness.
These factors combined create a higher risk environment for workplace injuries during the holiday season.
HOW TO PRIORITIZE WORKPLACE SAFETY DURING THE HOLIDAYS
Total work injuries in 2022
5,486 2M/+
Non-fatal work injuries and illnesses in 2022
• Workplace violence: The increased number of customers and visitors can heighten the risk of violence in some workplaces.
By being aware of these hazards and taking preventive measures, businesses can create a safer environment for employees and customers during the holiday season.
Why Workplace Injuries Increase During the Holidays
Workplace injuries tend to rise during the holiday season due to a combination of factors:
• Increased workload and stress: The pressure to meet deadlines, finish projects, and accommodate increased customer demand can lead to fatigue, distraction, and rushed decisions, all of which contribute to accidents.
• Temporary workers: Many businesses hire temporary staff to handle the increased workload, and these employees may not be as familiar with safety protocols, increasing the risk of accidents.
• Distractions: Holiday decorations, office parties, and general excitement can create distractions that can lead to accidents.
• Overexertion: Physical demands often increase during the holidays, leading to strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries.
• Seasonal weather conditions: In many places, winter weather creates slippery conditions, increasing the risk of falls and other accidents.
• Fatigue: Longer hours and increased stress can lead to employee fatigue, which impairs judgment and reaction time.
Implementing comprehensive safety plans and policies that address potential hazards can help keep people safe on the job every holiday season. Regular safety meetings, including all employees, especially seasonal and part-time staff, should be conducted to reinforce safety procedures and address concerns. Ensuring employees have adequate breaks and time off is also vital to prevent fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents. By fostering a strong safety culture through these measures, businesses can significantly lower the likelihood of workplace injuries during this busy time of year.
CONSEQUENCES OF NON-COMPLIANCE WITH SAFETY REGULATIONS
Failure to adhere to workplace safety regulations can lead to severe repercussions for both employers and employees. Some of the most common consequences include:
• Injuries and fatalities: The most devastating outcome of safety negligence is employee injury or death. Accidents can cause physical harm, emotional trauma, and financial hardship for both the victims and their families.
• Fines and penalties: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory bodies impose substantial fines for safety violations. These penalties can range from thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of the violation and the number of affected employees.
• Legal liability: Companies can face lawsuits from injured employees or their families, leading to significant legal costs and reputational damage.
• Loss of productivity: Workplace accidents disrupt operations, reduce employee morale, and lead to lost productivity.
• Damage to reputation: Negative publicity surrounding safety violations can harm a company’s image and customer trust.
• Insurance issues: Insurance premiums may increase, or coverage may be denied altogether if a company has a history of safety violations.
Prioritizing workplace safety is not just a moral obligation but also a sound business decision.
Avoiding Workplace Incidents After the Holidays
EHS Insight | December 12, 2024
The holiday season is a truly magical time, overflowing with joy and warmth. It’s a cherished period where you can bask in the festive spirit, savoring precious moments with loved ones, free from the burdens of work. It offers a beautiful opportunity to refresh your spirit and renew your energy before embracing the New Year.
The time right after the holiday season, though, might not be so great. Workplace accidents tend to be higher right after everyone comes back to work after an extended break. This makes raising awareness about workplace accidents after the holidays and how to avoid them an important topic for any workplace. It’s crucial to understand that the transition from a relaxed holiday mindset to a focused work environment can be challenging for many employees.
Fatigue, distraction, and even the stress of returning to a routine can contribute to reduced attention and safety. Therefore, implementing strategies to ease this transition, such as staggered work hours or brief refresher training sessions, can be beneficial.
By acknowledging these challenges and proactively addressing them, companies can create a safer and more supportive environment for their employees.
RETURNING TO WORK
The period following holidays and paid time off (PTO) can often lead to lapses in attention and safety at work , as employees transition from a leisurely pace back to the structured demands of their jobs. This shift can be jarring, as the mental and physical relaxation experienced during time off may result in a temporary dip in focus and alertness. Employees might find themselves daydreaming about their recent vacation or struggling to shake off the holiday lethargy, which can inadvertently lead to oversights and errors. This is why it’s essential for employers to recognize this vulnerable period and implement measures to mitigate risks.
Simple strategies like reorienting employees with a brief safety refresher or allowing a gradual return to full workloads can help bridge the gap between holiday relaxation and workplace vigilance, ensuring a smoother and safer transition for everyone.
THE NEW YEAR IS PERFECT FOR SAFETY REVIEWS
With the calendar turning over from December to January, a new year has begun — and it’s a perfect opportunity to schedule annual workplace safety reviews . The fact that this corresponds with the end of everyone’s holiday vacation is no coincidence; people have had their minds on anything else but work for several days straight, and even the most well-drilled safety guidelines and protocols can slip the mind of a worker who’s thinking about the Christmas dinner leftovers in the fridge.
Try to schedule safety reviews for the first week back to work for everyone, as this can easily jog memories and begin getting employees back into the right mindset. It also gives your workers an opportunity to ease back into their routine instead of going full-bore like they were just on-site the day before. Taking an hour out of the workday for a safety conference or two the first week back might hit your productivity temporarily, but not nearly as much as a bad accident!
USE THE OPPORTUNITY TO REVIEW AND RECONDITION TOOLS
As much as your workers might need a mindset reset, the tools and equipment they need are likely to benefit from a little attention of their own. Before work begins once more
A culture of open communication can significantly enhance workplace safety.
in earnest, make sure to take an inventory of all equipment and tools to ensure they’re not in need of reconditioning or repair. This can catch potential problems before they become an issue, which could prevent an accident.
This taking stock of tools and equipment also provides opportunities to ensure your safety equipment (like PPE) is functioning and that and any related supplies are adequate. Surveying first aid kits to ensure they’re fully stocked, checking fire extinguishers to see if they need recharging, and making sure eyewash stations or emergency decon showers are working are just a few examples of preventative maintenance.
SETTING UP YOUR WORKSITE FOR POST-HOLIDAY SUCCESS
Preventing workplace incidents after the holidays takes a little work, but it’s well worth the effort. It’s natural to be a bit distracted at work after coming back from a nice, relaxing holiday, and that means you’ve got to be on your toes to make up the difference. Keeping your employees safe from harm means they stay productive as well, and that’s the best way to start a new calendar year.
In addition to safety reviews and equipment checks, fostering a culture of open communication can significantly enhance workplace safety. Encourage employees to voice any concerns or suggestions they might have regarding safety protocols. This not only empowers them to take ownership of their safety but also helps identify potential hazards that might have been overlooked. Regular feedback sessions can be instrumental in creating a safer work environment, ensuring everyone feels responsible and committed to maintaining a secure workplace.
NHTSA Reminds Holiday Revelers to Drive Sober
NHTSA| December 13, 2024
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is kicking off its annual holiday season impaired-driving campaign, raising awareness of the dangers of driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs.
Addressing drivers’ risky behavior is one of the five elements of the USDOT’s National Roadway Safety Strategy, which also includes an emphasis on safer roads, safer vehicles, safer speeds and better post-crash care.
NHTSA also released the findings of a new study on drug and alcohol use by road users involved in serious and fatal crashes. The data shed new light on the prevalence of drug and alcohol involvement in serious crashes, just as one of the deadliest seasons for impaired driving gets underway.
The high-visibility enforcement campaign begins December 14th and runs through January 1st.
In December 2020, traffic crashes involving an impaired driver killed 937 people.
“Making a plan for a safe, sober ride home is critical to saving lives this holiday season,” said NHTSA Acting Administrator Ann Carlson. “I urge everyone to do their part to end these preventable tragedies by always driving sober, designating a sober driver, using public transportation or calling a taxi or ridehailing service.”
To continue to educate drivers throughout the holiday season, NHTSA will be promoting the following messages: Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over and If You Feel Different, You Drive Different; Drive High, Get a DUI. The campaign is supported by a $13.2 million national media buy, which includes TV, radio, and digital ads in English and Spanish. The agency is also debuting new English and Spanish TV commercials focusing on drugimpaired driving.
As part of the high-visibility enforcement efforts, law enforcement officers nationwide will be going the extra mile in their communities from December 14 through January 1 to get impaired drivers off the roads, with efforts such as sobriety checkpoints and community outreach.
NHTSA’s newly published report, Alcohol and Drug Prevalence Among Seriously or Fatally Injured Road Users, takes a closer look at the pervasiveness of alcohol and drug use in serious and fatal crashes. The study – which included participation from seven Level 1 trauma centers across the country – examined the prevalence of alcohol and legal, prescription and illegal drugs in the blood of a large sample of seriously or fatally injured drivers and other crash victims, including bicyclists and pedestrians.
THE STUDY FOUND:
• 56% of seriously or fatally injured road users tested positive for alcohol, or some type of drug known to have potentially impairing effects.
• The presence of cannabinoids (25%) and alcohol (23%) were most prevalent, followed by stimulants (11%) and opioids (9%)
• The presence of two or more drugs was reported in 18% of cases with serious injuries and 32% of the fatalities
Driving impaired by any substance – alcohol or other drugs, whether legal or illegal – is against the law in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. To prevent unnecessary tragedies, NHTSA urges everyone to plan ahead, especially when celebrating the holidays, and to never drive drunk or high. Instead, designate a sober driver, use public transportation, or call a ride-hailing service or taxi to make sure you get home safely. Remember to check the availability of sober ride programs in your community. If you see an impaired driver on the road, call 911.
Decluttering Safety
Steve Lotz | November 18, 2025
The week of November 3, Steve Lotz (Austin Safety Director for Pfizer/Zoetis (Michigan Office)) and Charlie Engel attended our 3rd annual Construction Safety Research Alliance (CSRA) summit (part of the University of Colorado Bolder).
Over 400 safety professionals attended this (by invitation only) CSRA Summit. Of all the different topics discuss, the one that we found most interesting was “Clutter.” Even though the “Clutter” discussion was around safety procedures and forms, every department in a company has it.
Every company/department has procedures, forms, and manuals but, are they clear, precise, and easy for everyone to follow?
A takeaway was every company/department should review their procedures on a regular basis, and by different people in the department. Same for forms.
As new hires come into a department, have they read the procedure or are they following what they’ve been told.
Have you ever made own form to document an event that is not in the procedure. This is clutter!
If a department is going to run efficient, they must review forms and procedures on a regular basis and audit their total program annually. Revise and train as needed. Reduce the clutter and make your department run like a well-oiled machine.
What is Safety Clutter? Safety clutter is waste within your safety effort that, as implemented, consumes attention, effort, and resources without improving the safety of work.
Safety clutter was originally defined as “the accumulation of safety procedures, documents, roles and activities that are performed in the name of safety, but do not contribute to the safety of operational work.” Safety systems expand because new burdens are continually added while little is ever removed. The result is a thickening safety system that consumes
increasing resources without delivering equal value to frontline operations.
Safety clutter can limit progress toward SIF (Significant Injury and Fatality) prevention. Outdated tasks, inefficient processes, and overcomplicated procedures consume time and energy that pull attention from critical priorities. Clutter also generates frustration, which increases the risk of non-compliance and complacency. In the worst case, workers disengage from safety altogether, seeing it as an obstacle to their work rather than a protection against life-threatening harm. Removing waste in the safety system improves efficiency and allows people to focus on SIF prevention.
At its core, safety clutter is not the activity itself, but the way it is carried out. For example, safety orientations, pre-job briefs, and safety walks are critical activities but may become cluttered if they are repetitive, outdated, or noisy. Therefore, an activity in one firm may be cluttered because it is overcomplicated and messy,
while in another it may add significant value because it is simple and streamlined.
Some safety clutter is inherently wasteful and does not add value. It might be incorrect or it could be obsolete. This type should be removed.
Other safety clutter activities have real potential to add value, but specific features can make them wasteful in practice. Flaws in design, execution, timing, targeting, access, or output can drown out the value and leave the activity unattractive or impractical. These fall into three categories: Excessive, Irrelevant, or Inaccessible. Correct those attributes and the same activity can shift from clutter to value-adding.
We need to look for safety processes that are too complicated to use, duplicative, create information that no one can access, no longer relevant, etc. Consider how they can be improved to increase safety and SIF prevention.
Winter Driving Tips From Consumer Reports’ Experts
Consumer Reports | December 11, 2024
Winter weather is hard on your vehicle, and it can make driving more dangerous. Ask anyone who tests cars for Consumer Reports. They’re well acquainted with driving through the worst conditions that a New England winter can hurl at them.
According to CR’s experts, the best way to stay ahead of plummeting temperatures and slippery roads is to make sure your car is properly prepared, and to reacquaint yourself with some basic winter driving skills. Read on to learn more.
HOW TO PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR WINTER
Check the battery. A car’s 12-volt battery will have only about half the cranking power at 0° F that it has at 80° F. To make sure it’s healthy enough to work in the cold, you can have the battery tested at a service station, an auto parts store, or a repair shop. A tired battery may only need to be charged, but if it’s defective or old and just worn out, it’s best to replace it before it goes completely dead. (Check our buying guide and ratings for car batteries.) Worst case: Be sure you know how to jump-start a car.
Replace wiper blades. Even the best-performing wiper blades start to lose their effectiveness after one year. In especially tough climates, they can need replacing in as little as six months. Streaks or missed expanses of glass are sure signs that the blades are ready for retirement. Sometimes, you can stretch their life by cleaning the rubber edge of the blade
periodically with a paper towel and glass cleaner, but it isn’t safe to do that all winter long. Instead, get a new set of blades before the old ones become a problem. We recommend replacing wiper blades at least once a year. Most wiper blades are easy to install, and some stores, such as Advance Auto Parts, will perform the replacement work free of charge, provided you buy the replacement inserts there.
Lubricate door locks. If you still use a key to get into your car, the lock cylinder can accumulate moisture and freeze during winter, locking you out of your car. Use a silicone lubricant to clean the lock—most auto parts stores sell a special device that fits into the keyhole.
Check engine oil and coolant. Cold weather can beat up your engine, too. Motor oil thickens when cold, making it harder for the engine to turn over. Check your owner’s manual for the manufacturer’s recommended oil type. Generally, you should be using multi-viscosity oil that has a “W” in the viscosity index, signifying that it’s formulated for winter use. Typical formulas that are recommended for modern engines include 0W-20, 5W20, 5W-30, and 10W-30, which provide good oil flow at low temperatures and can often be used year-round. Whenever you have the oil changed, replace the oil filter as well to ensure the system has the maximum amount of flow.
PLAN AHEAD
Check the weather report before you drive anywhere, and plan your route.
While the car is in the shop, also have the radiator and heater hoses checked for cracks, leaks, or contamination from oil or grease. The hoses should be firm yet pliable when you squeeze them. Replace them if they feel brittle or overly soft.
Keep your coolant mixture topped off with a 50/50 ratio of antifreeze and water—most auto parts stores sell it premixed. This will keep your coolant from freezing until temperatures are well below zero. Colder conditions, however, can call for a 60/40 or 70/30 ratio. Under no circumstances should you use a higher antifreeze-to-water ratio than this.
Consider new tires. Spinning out in the snow and ending up in a ditch isn’t the best way to discover that your tires are worn out. If you’ve been waiting to pick up a new set of tires, don’t delay. Your safety depends on good tire traction, and winter-grade tires tend to be in short supply when the snow begins to fall. (Find out how winter/snow tires compare with all-season tires.)
If your area gets occasional snow, a new set of all-season tires should do the job. Look for a highly rated set that performed well in our snow-traction and ice-braking tests. (Check our tire buying guide and ratings.) Remember that
it’s safest to replace all four tires at one time. If you live where snow and ice are ever-present, consider buying allweather tires. These combine the advantages of all-season and dedicated winter tires, but without the need to change tires seasonally. Dedicated winter tires have tread patterns and rubber compounds designed to grip snow and ice for optimum traction on cold, slick roads, but they have a shorter tread life and generate more road noise than all-season tires. They can be mounted on inexpensive steel wheels, although these can cause the car’s tire pressure monitoring system to malfunction.
Even if your tires are in good shape, make sure you keep them properly inflated. Cold weather means your tires will lose pressure, because air contracts as the temperature drops. Also, make sure you know how to change a tire on your car.
Keep a roadside emergency kit in the car. This should include gloves, a blanket, a portable shovel, an ice scraper/ snow brush, a flashlight, flares/warning light, a safety triangle, a reflector vest, a basic first aid kit, a cell phone charger, and jumper cables. Also consider carrying a portable jump starter. If you live in a place where it snows a lot, you should also pack an extra winter hat, extra clothing layers, a rain poncho, a bag of sand, and a full-sized snow shovel. (Learn more about winter preparedness kits.)
Know your roadside assistance options. Check with your car insurance or credit card companies to see whether they offer roadside assistance in an emergency. You might have a plan with AAA, or with your car’s
manufacturer if it’s still new. Whatever the case, storing those numbers in your phone is a good way to make sure you can call for help quickly if you’re in a jam. You don’t want to be waiting for websites to load while your car is stuck nose-first in a snow bank.
Clean snow, ice, and salt grime from the car. Be sure to clear your vehicle’s hood, roof, trunk/liftgate, and windows before you drive, using a brush with soft bristles to avoid scratching the car’s paint. This will improve visibility and prevent large chunks becoming airborne as you speed down the highway. Plus, ignoring your car’s snow load could cost you. Several states, including Connecticut and New Jersey, can fine you if you don’t clear the snow off before driving. Also, don’t forget to check your headlamps and taillights; they could be covered in snow, ice, or road salt, reducing their effectiveness.
Don’t let the gas tank get low. Keeping a half tank or more of gas limits the moisture that can condensate in the tank. It also means you’re well positioned to tough out an unexpected traffic jam or survive being stuck in the snow.
Use winter-grade windshield cleaner. These are specially formulated to stay fluid, even in the coldest weather. Slick roads are often treated with a salty solution, salt crystals,
and/or sand to provide traction. This “wintry mix” can really hurt your visibility when it’s splashed onto your windshield, especially when you’re driving into the sun. Also check that your car has enough wiper fluid, and even keep an extra bottle in the trunk in case you run out.
WINTER CONSIDERATIONS FOR EVS
Schedule preconditioning in advance. Cold weather is tough on electric vehicles, but you can mitigate its impact with a little planning. Preconditioning an EV will help heat the battery to an optimal operating temperature, which will extend your driving range and overall battery life. While the EV is plugged in and charging, either from the driver’s seat or via app, find the option to set a departure time, or warm up the interior. In addition to using power from the charger—rather than the battery—preconditioning will bring the cabin to a more comfortable temperature for when it’s time to drive.
Keep the battery charged and raise the charging limit. You may typically limit your car’s charge level to 80 percent to extend your battery’s lifespan. But if you know you’re going to be driving in very cold weather, you can extend driving range by raising the limit to account for the extra juice siphoned off by the car’s heater, wipers, and other accessories. Keeping the battery charged will also help keep it warm.
Use seat and steering wheel heaters. Seat and steering wheel heaters are a more efficient way to keep yourself warm. Doing so will allow you to run the HVAC system at a lower temperature, which should make the battery last longer.
Slow down and use “Eco” Mode. If you’re driving in snow, the car’s traction motors will have to work harder. Driving slower in bad conditions is good practice from a safety perspective, but it can also save battery charge. If your car has an economy or efficiency driving mode, use it.
Protect the charging plug. If you charge your car outdoors, consider buying a charging plug protector to keep the plug from freezing into the car’s charging port. There are a wide variety of models available, with most consisting of a small hood or miniature tent that attaches to the side of your car with magnets to keep snow, ice, and moisture in general away from the connector. You can find them on Amazon and other online marketplaces for as little as a few dollars.
HOW TO DRIVE IN WINTER CONDITIONS
Plan ahead. Check the weather report before you drive anywhere, and plan your route. This way, you can avoid steep hills and places that are likely to be dangerous or
congested when conditions deteriorate. Only drive in the snow if it’s completely necessary. Even if your car is equipped with winter tires and all-wheel drive, there’s still more risk than if the road is dry.
Accelerate slowly to reduce wheel spin. If you’re starting from a standstill on slick snow or ice, start in second gear if you have a manual transmission or gear-selectable automatic. This makes the vehicle less likely to spin the tires. Ease into the accelerator pedal—don’t mash it.
Reduce your speed and drive smoothly. The key to keeping grip on slippery roads is to drive as smoothly as possible, avoiding sudden acceleration, braking, or sharp turns. Drive much more slowly than normal so that you have extra time to react. Try to accelerate, turn, and brake as separate actions rather than in combination like you might in normal conditions. CR’s expert advice: Drive as if you have a full cup of coffee on the dashboard and don’t want it to spill.
Allow longer braking distances. Start braking sooner than you would in dry conditions to give yourself extra room when it’s slippery, using gentle pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t lock your wheels when braking, which can make the vehicle slide. If you have an older vehicle without an antilock braking system (ABS), you may need to gently apply the brakes repeatedly in a pulsing motion to avoid locking up the wheels. If your vehicle has ABS, simply depress the brake pedal firmly and hold it down. The shuddering sounds and pulsating pedal feeling are normal. Don’t lift off the brake. That’s just the system doing its job.
Steer into a slide. When your car’s rear end begins to slide during a turn, gently let up on the accelerator and turn the steering wheel in the direction that the car is sliding. This will help you straighten out. If your car is sliding straight ahead when you’re trying to make a turn, your initial reaction might be to keep turning the wheel. That could hurt more than help. Instead, lift gently off either the accelerator pedal or the brake and straighten the wheel, which gives your tires a chance to regain grip.
Don’t let all-wheel drive give you a false sense of security. Despite what many drivers think, vehicles with engine power at all four wheels can still slide on slick surfaces, especially when turning and braking. All-wheel-drive vehicles
certainly have extra traction when accelerating, but there is no advantage while braking or cornering.
Be extra wary of other motorists. They may not be driving as cautiously as you, so leave extra space, avoid distractions, and be predictable. Signal clearly ahead of any turns or lane changes. If you feel you’re being pushed from behind by someone wanting to go faster, pull over and let them pass you.
Don’t pass the snow plows. Even though you may feel impatient, let these slow-moving trucks do their job. The road is likely more treacherous in front of the plows, and you run the risk of sliding in the deeper snow or slush in between the lanes as you accelerate to pass them. And don’t follow too closely—you might wind up with a cracked windshield from flying salt, sand, and pebbles.
WHAT TO DO IF YOU GET STUCK IN SNOW
Try to shovel out a path. With the front wheels straight, rock the car by shifting between Drive and Reverse and applying light throttle. Shift directions the second the wheels start spinning. Spread sand in your tracks. Once freed, keep going until you reach firm footing.
If the car isn’t moving, don’t spin the wheels. They’ll just dig deeper into the snow. You may need to jack up the car to put a traction aid under the drive wheels, but make sure the jack is on firm ground. You can use sand, cat litter, twigs, weeds, planks, and even your car’s floor mats or trunk liner. Make sure others stand clear before you apply power.
