msepostdoc-list Indiana Winter Safety Tips & Tricks❄️

[Maddison DeLaney Walsh]

Hello Students,
Many of you probably woke up this morning and saw that our first snowfall of the winter season has arrived! We know some of you may not have driven or trudged through before, so we wanted to send out some safety tips and tricks to help you not turn into Frosty the Snowman ☃️!

Winter Driving:

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Drive Smoothly: Gentle, deliberate movements keep tires gripping. Pretend there’s hot coffee in your lap!
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Look Ahead: Anticipate stops and turns. Allow extra distance—double on wet roads, triple on snow, more on ice.
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Use Your Hazard Lights: Turn on your hazard lights if you need to drive slower due to icy conditions or if you feel you might slide. This helps alert other drivers to your caution.
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Clear Snow Before Driving: Remove all snow from your car, especially if it’s an inch or more. Snow flying off your vehicle can obstruct the view of other drivers and create dangerous conditions.
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Mind Warning Lights: Flashing stability-control lights mean your wheels are slipping. Ease off the accelerator.
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Focus on Your Path: In a skid, look where you want to go, not where you’re heading.
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Front-Wheel Skid: Ease off the gas to regain traction.
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Rear-Wheel Skid: Turn the wheel toward the slide. No brakes!
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Use ABS Brakes: Push the pedal hard and steer around obstacles—don’t pump the brakes.
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Test Traction: Lightly apply brakes to gauge grip (when it’s safe). A chattering pedal signals slick roads.
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Read the Road: Shiny surfaces = ice/slush; dry snow offers better grip. Plan for shady spots.
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Think Ahead: Use local knowledge to prepare for hills and sharp turns.
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Pack Essentials: Get a snowbrush, flashlight, snacks, and a blanket to keep in your car!
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Warm Up: Give your car time to warm up while you scrape off the ice and snow.

General Winter Tips

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Stay Hydrated: Cold weather dehydrates you—drink plenty of water!
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Seal Your Space: Drafts from windows or doors can make your living space colder—use weatherstripping or a draft stopper.
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Dress in Layers: Wear thermal clothing, sweaters, and a waterproof outer layer. Don’t forget gloves, a hat, and a scarf!
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Invest in Good Boots: Warm, waterproof boots with good traction are essential for icy sidewalks.
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Keep Essentials Handy: Always have a warm coat and extra gloves, even if you’re just running errands.

If you want to build your own Frosty, snow packs better when it's above 32°. If you try to build one when it's below freezing, you'll have a hard time getting the snow to pack!


Maddi Walsh

Senior Administrative Assistant

School of Materials Engineering

Neil Armstrong Hall of Engineering
Office: 765-496-0460

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