(Photo By Flickr User David DeHetre)
Just because the snow is gone or pushed off the road doesn’t mean that the threat is eliminated.
Even if it doesn’t look bad outside now, that doesn’t mean drivers are in the clear.
Lieutenant Ernest McCall with the Peoria Police says,
“A lot of accidents, a lot of minor fender-benders, a lot of people sliding off the roads.”
And that’s just during clear days. Add in actual snowfall, and it gets a lot worse. Peoria Police responded to over 50 weather-related accidents during the year’s first snowfalls; and wanted to remind everyone how to safely drive during the winter.
First, and most important, slow down. The police recommend reducing your speed by 25 miles per hour, but a general rule is the slower you’re going, the more traction you’ll have. What kind of car you have also makes a difference.
Balda driving school owner Kristina Hestrom explains,
“You want front wheel drive; you want the car to be pulled forward rather than pushed forward, it gives you more control over your vehicle.”
Especially over areas where freezing is more likely, like bridges, overpasses, and highway ramps. It’s important to remember that just because there’s no snow on the roads doesn’t mean there isn’t any ice; especially in these freezing conditions. Black ice is always a problem and drivers should treat it as if it was always there.
One of the biggest things to watch out for on the road: other drivers.
“People following too close, they shouldn’t do that during the Wintertime just because there’s slick spots in the road,” says Morton driver Gina Robinson.
If you do start to lose control, make sure to take things slow. Don’t slam on your breaks, push gently. Don’t bank the steering wheel, but instead steer towards where you want to go. When it comes to slippery conditions, slow and steady wins the race.
Hestrom also mentioned the importance of rocking your car out if you get stuck; apply gentle acceleration forward and in reverse after removing as much snow as you can. Never floor it; you’ll likely end up digging yourself deeper.
(Information courtesy of week.com)
