As I write this article, we have had our first exposure to seasonal weather with both snowfall and subzero temperatures. No matter how much we prepare, it still catches us a bit off guard, but I have no doubt we will adapt, as we always do. Over the next few weeks, we will continue to see fluctuations in temperature, either just above or just below freezing. This creates some nice variation, but also brings additional considerations.
The primary concern, of course, is road surfaces. With fluctuating temperatures, roads can transition from merely wet to glare ice in a matter of minutes. Be especially mindful of bridges and overpasses, as they will be the first to be affected. When approaching intersections or turns, give yourself and your vehicle a greater margin for reaction time and stopping distance. Trying to navigate a curve or stop for a stop sign is not the time to find out you misjudged the road surface.
Another victim of the early-morning freeze is our car windows. Please take the time to either defrost your windshields and windows or scrape them to provide proper visibility. It is the law that you do not have any obstructions in the primary areas of the windshield and side windows. While most people think this applies to manmade objects such as air fresheners or window tint, it also pertains to natural obstructions such as snow or ice.
Once the snow finally arrives, remember to leave a little early to allow extra time in case of poor road conditions. Also, please remember that just because the sign says 55 doesn’t mean you need to travel at that speed. A little caution on a snow-covered road will go a long way.
Another good tip is to create an emergency bag to keep in your vehicle. This could include a shovel, extra coat, boots, gloves, flares, a blanket, and even some snack food. This may seem unusual, but it could prove vital someday. Also, even though you should not talk on a cellphone while driving, it is a good idea to have your phone with you in case of an emergency.
If you haven’t addressed your tires in a few months, this may be a good time for that investment. Many of the vehicle accidents we respond to over the winter months could have been prevented with proper tires and sufficient tread. We have no shortage of great local shops that can guide you in the right direction and provide excellent service and products.
As road crews continue their maintenance this winter, please respect the important and often difficult job they do to keep roads clear, and give them plenty of space to operate while plowing and salting roadways.
Please respect overnight parking restrictions, which also make their job much easier and save you the frustration of digging your vehicle out after crews plow around it — along with the parking ticket affixed to your windshield.
Finally, if you are clearing your driveway by pushing snow across the road into the opposite ditch, please be mindful of any snow impediments left behind. These “snow berms” can create a significant danger when vehicles come into contact with them.
