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5 Winter Driving Tips to Remember

Logistics Tips and Best Practices, Supply Chain Blog, Transportation

5 Tips for Winter Driving

As seasons change, it’s always a good idea to review winter driving tips to stay safe on the roads for work and personal travel. Although we have had a mild winter so far in the mid-west, we all know that can change in a heartbeat. So we must not forget the skills or maybe the mishaps we have experienced from past winters. While winter driving is dangerous in at itself, speed is the main reason “things happen” on the road. Snow, ice, and speed do not lead to a good outcome on our travels during the winter. 

drive prepared for the worst

Slowing down, increased following distance, gradual steering and braking are all things we can do to prevent the big one. Stay safe by remembering these easy tips: 

1. Plan Ahead before you leave:

Before you even leave the house, check the weather and be aware of any warnings for current or future conditions along your route. Downloading a weather app to your smart phone will also allow you to receive updates and warnings should the conditions change. Your state’s Department of Transportation will also update their sites for any issues. Check road conditions and find out if there are any closures. Keep your radio tuned to a local station that may offer updates on roads or weather as well. 

2. Safe Stop on an Icy Road:

A safe stop on an icy road can be a tricky thing to do. One never knows really how much time it will take the type of vehicle you are driving to stop. Stopping a semi is very different than stopping a personal vehicle, therefore you should anticipate the stop by slowing down gradually ahead of the intersection regardless of what you are driving. Allow more time to stop safely during winter driving conditions. This is where your vehicle’s speed comes in, because if you are going too fast, you will slide right through the intersection.

3. be Prepared to Change lanes on side streets or interstates:

Again, plan ahead for a lane change maneuver. Check all your mirrors, check your blind spots, even if you have one of those fancy schmancy blind spot checkers, heck it might be covered on slush or snow! Put on your turn signal well in advance of your lane change so everybody around you knows you are making a change. Use the smallest amount of steering, take a long gradual line, and hold the wheel firmly. Slush, snow, and or ice may be built up between lanes. No sudden steering adjustments using a light foot on the gas.

Not everyone can slip on down to Tybee Beach and avoid all of the snow, ice, and freezing rain Mother Nature throws at us every year. sometimes we forget that getting from point A to point B is more difficult than we imagine. – Rich Rothenbach, Safety & Compliance 

4. Be aware of Black Ice:

The term black ice doesn’t really mean the ice is black. Black ice is a thin sheet of clear ice on the roadway taking on the color of the road which is usually black. Black ice is prevalent on bridges and overpasses where any moisture can freeze more quickly with no warmth from the ground to keep it from doing so. Hitting black ice can cause an unexpected skid in the blink of an eye.

Say it’s 30 degrees and raining, you’re out on the road going to Nicks Pilates class. You notice at first all the spray coming off the back of the car in front of you, but it doesn’t really bother you because you have increased your following distance. Then down the road a mile or two you notice the car ahead of you no longer has road spray. Why you ask? That road is freezing, you have black ice forming on the roadway. When it’s raining or sleeting and you do not see road spray, you have ice on the road. Just a little “Pro Tip” to pass along to your family members.

5. remember driver’s ed If you are in a skid:

So, you have totally ignored the above winter driving tips, and are ready to go speeding off to work because you are late, and your vehicle starts to skid. Two things you must remember if does start to skid, per your high school Driver’s Ed Instructor:

  1. Avoid using your brakes
  2. Steer in the direction the back of the car is going. If the rear of the car goes to the right, then steer to the right.

Most cars now have anti-lock brakes so if you must apply brakes, light constant pressure on the brake pedal is recommended and let the anti-lock system do it’s thing. If the rear of the car is kicking out to the right, then turn the wheel slightly in that direction until traction is regained and the vehicle straightens out. Then steer back gradually to get back on the right track. One more time, the speed you are traveling will determine the severity of the skid.

Hiring Drivers at NOTS Logistics

At NOTS Logistics, our coworkers are the driving force behind everything we do. Their dedication, hard work, and commitment to excellence make it possible for us to deliver exceptional service to our customers and positively impact the communities we serve. That’s why taking time to recognize and celebrate our employees is an important part of our culture.

On Wednesday, June 19th, NOTS Logistics proudly hosted an Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout at our Nashville, Illinois location. The event brought together coworkers from across our operations to enjoy great food, connect with one another, and celebrate the contributions that make our organization stronger every day.

Bringing Our Team Together

The cookout welcomed all full-time, part-time, PSA, TRSC, and NMS/North Operations employees, creating an opportunity for team members from various roles and departments to gather outside of their daily responsibilities. Events like this allow coworkers to build stronger relationships, share experiences, and foster the sense of connection that defines the NOTS Logistics culture.

Creating opportunities for employees to come together in a relaxed and enjoyable setting helps strengthen teamwork and encourages collaboration across the organization. Whether working in operations, administration, or support roles, each employee plays a vital part in our success, and this event was designed to celebrate that shared purpose.

A Classic Summer Celebration

The cookout featured classic summer favorites, including hamburgers, bratwurst, and a variety of delicious sides that everyone could enjoy. The casual atmosphere allowed employees to unwind, enjoy a meal together, and take a well-deserved break from their busy schedules.

While the food was certainly a highlight, the true focus of the event was appreciation — recognizing the effort, dedication, and positive energy our coworkers bring to the workplace every day. The cookout provided a space for laughter, conversation, and connection, reinforcing the strong relationships that help define our workplace culture.

Celebrating Our Culture of Appreciation

As a family-owned company, NOTS Logistics has always prioritized people first. We believe that a supportive work environment leads to greater engagement, stronger performance, and lasting success. Showing appreciation for our coworkers is not simply an annual activity — it is a core part of how we operate.

The Employee Appreciation BBQ reflects our ongoing commitment to:

  • Recognizing employee contributions and celebrating achievements

  • Building strong workplace relationships across teams and departments

  • Fostering a positive and supportive culture where employees feel valued

  • Encouraging connection and engagement among coworkers

By investing in our employees and recognizing their hard work, we continue to build an environment where individuals feel respected, supported, and motivated to succeed.

The Importance of Employee Recognition

Employee appreciation events play an important role in strengthening organizational culture. Taking time to acknowledge the dedication of our workforce helps reinforce the values that guide NOTS Logistics — teamwork, respect, and commitment to excellence.

When employees feel valued, they are more engaged in their work, more connected to their teams, and more motivated to contribute to organizational goals. Events like the BBQ cookout serve as a reminder that every role matters and every contribution helps move our company forward.

At NOTS Logistics, we understand that our success is directly tied to the people who make up our team. Their efforts, expertise, and positive attitudes allow us to continue growing, innovating, and delivering high-quality logistics solutions for our customers.

Gratitude for Our Nashville Team

We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who attended the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout and helped make the event such a success. Your continued dedication, professionalism, and commitment to excellence are what make NOTS Logistics a great place to work and a trusted partner for our customers.

We are incredibly proud of our Nashville team and all our coworkers across every location. Your hard work does not go unnoticed, and we are grateful for the role each of you plays in strengthening our organization and supporting our communities.

Looking Ahead

At NOTS Logistics, we remain committed to creating opportunities that celebrate our people, strengthen our culture, and support our teams. Events like the Employee Appreciation BBQ Cookout reflect our ongoing mission to invest in our coworkers and build an environment where everyone can thrive.

Thank you again to everyone who joined us for a day of great food, connection, and celebration. We appreciate you — today and every day.

Connect With Us

Main Office

17848 Mockingbird Road
Nashville, IL 62263

Email:

sales@notslogistics.com
Phone: (800) 642-5436
Fax: (618) 478-5356