Be safe out there!

We at Century Massage & Bodywork, Inc. have dealt with many auto accident clients/patients in the past 10+ years in business, and we want all of our clients to stay healthy and accident-free during our usual months of bad weather here in the Pacific NW, which usually starts in October up to March.

Here are some tips to keep in mind while driving in bad weather:

• Prepare Ahead of Time - When you drive in bad weather it usually takes longer and can be stressful. Leaving earlier can allow you to reach your destination without worry of running late. If possible, take an alternate route to avoid weather systems that can affect your driving.
• Drive Slowly - You should drive more slowly and carefully than normal while driving in bad weather. This can reduce the possibility of accidents from skidding.
• Don’t Tailgate - When you are driving in rain, snow, sleet etc. it is recommended by experts to double the amount of space between you and the vehicle in front of you. Brake time is much slower in these types of conditions, and you have to allow for more room, in case you must suddenly have to stop.
• Be Sure Your Equipment Works - It is crucial that your tires and brakes are checked on a regular basis during the winter months. In addition, having working windshield wipers can make a significant difference in your visibility during heavy rainfall. Keep your headlights clean from dirt and clear your mirrors and windshields of frost and ice before driving on the road.
• Use Your Low Beams in Fog - Using your headlights on low not only helps your vision, but also can allow for other drivers to see your car through the fog. Staying near the right side of the road can help avoid incoming traffic from the center line.
• Listen To The Radio - Listening to your local radio station may offer information on road conditions ahead. It is important to stay focused on the road, so keep the volume on low so it does not affect your concentration while driving in bad weather.
• Buckle Your Seat Belt – Wearing your seatbelt is not only a Law, but it can greatly help in saving lives, especially in bad weather. It is also important that your passengers wear their seatbelts.
• It’s Wise to Pull Over - Pulling over to a safe spot completely off the road is a very smart thing to do when you need to rest and especially when weather conditions make your visibility almost zero. If the weather involves snow or heavy rain conditions, be sure that you are not pulling into a deep snow bank or puddle.

It is very important to follow these safe driving techniques in weather conditions that can cause injury to yourself and others. It is even more crucial to perform these safety measures in extreme weather conditions such as tornados, torrential rain, snowstorms, electrical storms and hurricanes. If feasible, the best option would be to reschedule a trip and stay indoors rather than be on the road where you are potentially at serious risk. Using caution when behind the wheel of bad weather is your best defense.

If you are involved in an auto accident please visit your doctor to document your injuries and help you get the treatment that you need to get better. Make sure you ask your doctor for a referral for Massage Therapy for any soft-tissue damage that you sustain during the motor-vehicle accident.

Be well.

Lyn Yancha, LMP/Owner
Anna Marie Mazzone, LMP
Robert Winbauer, LMP

www.CenturyMassage.com