Winter Driving & Safety Tips

  • Published
  • By 341st Security Forces Squadron personnel
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  As the full swing of winter begins, here are some driving and safety tips to remember. 

1) All windows must be free and clear of all snow and ice as outlined in Montana Code Annotated 61-9-405. This is extremely important so you, the driver, can have complete visibility while driving in winter conditions. 

2) Although it is nice to have a toasty, warm vehicle to drive, leaving a vehicle running while unattended is not authorized per Montana Code Annotated 61-8-357. Starting a vehicle in the morning and letting it run for a few minutes before driving it is acceptable. Leaving a car running while in the grocery store shopping or in the parking lot while working are not acceptable. 

3) Slow down. The recommendation is to reduce speed by 5 to10 mph when driving in non-ideal weather. Don't be the one who speeds up approaching an intersection, turn into traffic, loose control and almost strike a pedestrian.