State Police offers tips for driving in snow and ice

Photo by Tom Rivers: The driver of a pickup truck with a plow heads down East Park Street in Albion this morning to plow out a resident.

Posted 12 November 2019 at 9:28 am

Press Release, State Police Major Edward J. Kennedy, Troop A Commander

In preparation for the anticipated winter weather forecast, the State Police encourages motorists to exercise due care when traveling.

The State Police will be out across the region checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible. The State Police need your assistance to make this possible.  Motorists traveling in areas impacted by the snow are asked to leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination.  Take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.  Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.

Keep the following tips in mind:

Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations.

Always clean your windows and mirrors fully of any snow and ice before driving.

Keep a full tank of gas

Fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid, ant-freeze)

Spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench

Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.

Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.

Brake early

Do not use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.

Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.

Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.

If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t.

If you do go out, is your vehicle prepared?

Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available:

Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc.

Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.

If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:

If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. Do not exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.

Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quick as possible.

Slow down. Be prepared. Be safe.

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