Chief Robert MacDonald and the Dighton Police Department would like to share winter driving safety tips ahead of the expected winter storm predicted to result in dangerous driving conditions Friday.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), Bristol County is under a Winter Storm Warning for tomorrow, Feb. 4, from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m. During this time, mixed precipitation is expected with total sleet accumulations forecast to reach one inch and ice accumulations of around one-tenth of an inch.
Freezing rain and sleet are predicted during the morning commute on Friday with a flash freeze as temperatures fall into the upper 20s. According to the NWS, travel may be difficult due to slippery road conditions.
Approximately 116,800 people are injured in cold weather driving situations, such as on icy or snowy roads, every year according to the Federal Highway Administration.
Snow and ice reduce pavement friction and vehicle maneuverability, causing slower speeds, reduced roadway capacity and increased crash risk. Heavy snow and sleet can also reduce visibility.
The Dighton Police Department wishes to share the following tips from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to help keep residents safe while driving this winter:
- Check the weather before you leave. Assess the road conditions and traffic.
- Always remain vigilant while driving.
- Drive slowly in the winter – it takes longer to slow your vehicle on an icy, wet or snowy surface.
- Allocate extra time for travel during the winter to compensate for driving more slowly. Do not rush or put yourself in a situation where you feel pressured to rush or speed.
- Always wear your seatbelt, and make sure your passengers do too.
- Either drive behind a snow plow or use caution whenever passing them. Never crowd a snow plow, and do not drive next to them other than for passing. Snow plows are slow, make wide turns, frequently stop, overlap lanes and exit the road often.
The Dighton Police Department would also like to remind residents to make sure that their car is properly equipped with all the necessary safety measures prior to traveling during a storm:
- Make sure your vehicle is fully stocked with “winter” windshield wiper fluid with de-icer. Check this regularly, as this fluid can be depleted significantly by even one snowstorm.
- Make sure your defrosters and windshield wipers work and replace the blades if they have become worn.
- Cold temperatures can cause the inflation pressure in your tires to drop. Check the inflation pressure of your tires and make sure they meet the manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. It is recommended that you check your tires once monthly regardless of the season, and tires that have uneven wear or insufficient tread should be replaced. Residents are also reminded to check their spare tire.
- If you’re going to use snow tires, have them installed before the first snowfall.
- Make sure you have enough coolant in your vehicle and that the coolant meets the specifications of the manufacturer.
- Make sure your headlights, brake lights, turn signals, emergency flashers and interior lights are all in working order. Also, check your trailer brake lights and turn signals.
- Stock your vehicle with the supplies you need to drive safely and stay warm in an emergency during the winter, including:
- Snow shovel and broom/ice scraper
- Sand or kitty litter, to be used in case your vehicle becomes stuck in snow.
- Flashlight
- Jumper cables
- Warning devices (i.e. flares, emergency markers)
- Blankets for warmth. Residents are also encouraged to keep extra hats, mittens, scarves, socks and other warm clothing items in their car, should their vehicle break down
- Cell phone charger
- Food/water
- Consider keeping a stock of any medicine you or a passenger relies on when going on a longer trip or driving in a rural area
In the event your car breaks down or stalls in the winter, residents are encouraged to stay in their vehicle with the interior dome light turned on. Residents should avoid running their vehicles for long periods of time while the windows are rolled up or in an enclosed space, as this is a carbon monoxide hazard. If you have to keep your vehicle running to stay warm, be sure to clear snow away from the exhaust pipe and run the vehicle only as long as needed to stay warm. Residents should also place bright markers on the antenna or windows while awaiting a tow.
For more winter driving tips from the NHTSA, click here.
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