Dear class,

Winter is once again upon us in Minnesota. It comes as a shock every year, I know. So far north and it snows. Go figure.

As this hits us as a surprise every season, let us once again review some basics of road and traffic safety.

1. It is a very good idea to clear OFF your windshield BEFORE you start to drive. Most find that extremely helpful.

2. If your car is parked in the alley due to the city of Minneapolis calling a SECOND snow emergency (though they have already plowed your street well the first time, but probably need the revenue from the impound lot… but I digress), please remember the good plow people have done a nice job on the street, which means the entrance to alley is buried in a mound of snow once again. If you drive something small, like, say, a Honda Civic, it is not advisable to try and plow through that mound of snow. You won’t win. Ever.

3. If you drive a SUV, please remember it may get you around in the snow but it cannot get you around on ice. Nothing can. Driving 30 MPH in the snow to show off will only result in bad things happening if you continue at 30 MPH on black ice.

4. In Minnesota, we seem to have this deep-seated desire to stare at traffic accidents. If you are southbound on I-35W and the freeway is clear, please be reminded that you are under no obligation to slow down and stare at the accident in the northbound lane. Yes, the flashing red lights are quite pretty. Do not stare. It will only tick off the drivers behind you who were going along at posted speeds because until  you slowed down the freeway was running at a good clip.

Simple reminders for a safe winter season. Remember: It DOES snow in Minnesota!