Precautions keep winter from becoming dangerous

The first thing I noticed my first winter in Sandpoint was how incredibly beautiful the world could be when covered with snow.

Unfortunately, the second thing I noticed was my car was at the bottom of a ditch (with me in it) after I drove too close to the shoulder of the road.

Now, older and four winters wiser, my driving has improved. However, even the most seasoned winter veterans can be taken unaware by snow, ice and just plain bad weather.

Suddenly it seems like everyday activities like walking to the mailbox or driving to the supermarket become fraught with peril.

Here are a few winter safety lessons for those of you new to our northern climate. For those who have been here longer, just think of it as a refresher course.

One of the best precautions against winter weather should happen even before you head out of the house. Dressing appropriately for the cold might seem like a common-sense routine, but many of us have ignored this rule repeatedly.

Not taking the time to grab our hat or gloves leads us to wishing we had once that chill sets in.

For this reason, it's a good idea to keep an extra pair of gloves and a hat in the car or at the office, and make sure your kids have theirs tucked in their backpack before leaving for school.

So here we are, just walking along, minding our own business when all of a sudden, whoosh — our feet slide right out from under us. We've found what the locals like to call a patch of "black ice," thusly named because it is invisible on concrete and asphalt.

Both of these surfaces are especially prone to this dangerous icy layer. If you hit it with your feet and are unprepared, you're in for a rude awakening.

Walk in designated walkways as much as possible. Taking shortcuts over snow piles and other frozen areas can be hazardous.

We often forget how dangerous slipping and falling can be. No matter how well the snow and ice is removed from streets and sidewalks, you will probably encounter some slippery surfaces this winter.

Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice; boots made of rubber and neoprene composite are best.

Steer clear of boots or shoes with smooth soles and heels. It might even help to wear golf shoes or cleats to increase traction.

If you do fall, keep your hands free and extended for balance and to help break your fall.

Above all else, try to relax your muscles if you fall; you'll injure yourself less if you are relaxed.

Driving in the snow poses its own set of potential problems. If you must go out when conditions are at their worst, keep these safety tips in mind. Of all the things you can do to make winter driving less stressful, giving yourself a little more time is the most important.

Drive slower than normal in slippery conditions. Increase your distance between you and vehicles in front of you. Be prepared for skids by slowing down early on curves and on downhill slopes.

Don't let ice or snow accumulate on your windshield, windows, mirrors, or lights. Keep your headlights on, both to help you see and to help others see you. Don't try to drive around or through an obvious trouble zone-slow down and be prepared to stop.

Don't assume that your four-wheel-drive vehicle is skid-proof.

And last but not least, in extreme weather conditions, the safest choice is to stay off the road.

Whether North Idaho's winter brings severe storms, light dustings or just cold temperatures, being prepared is your best defense to reduce the risk of weather-related health problems.