By: Nyleve Eiram 

Winter has arrived across the Twin Cities, and with it comes a serious reminder to slow down on our roads. Every year, snowy and icy conditions lead to more crashes and more injuries. When the temperature drops and the streets turn slick, even one wrong move can change everything.

Earlier this month, a school bus driver ran a red-turn light at Western and University Avenue while snow covered the intersection, and the bus was hit by a moving Metro Transit train. That kind of risk mixed with dangerous weather could have ended in tragedy. This past Monday, I experienced my own swerve-out, and I know I was not the only one. Several fatal accidents have already happened as our winter has only just begun.

As drivers, we carry real responsibility during this time of year. Distraction behind the wheel can be deadly. Speeding on ice can leave a vehicle completely out of control. Running a light can destroy lives in a single moment.

Here is what I am calling everyone to do: Please slow down, please use your turn signals, and please pay attention to the road for your sake and for everyone else’s sake. Use caution, stay alert, and drive like lives depend on it, because during winter every drive does.

According to data from the Minnesota Department of Public Safety, winter months consistently see a spike in winter-weather-related crashes. You can review their fatal crash numbers for December through April on their website.

Safety should never take a season off.