This month I would like to give you a few tips I have mentioned before on winter driving.  We just missed a big snowstorm but I am sure our turn will be coming soon.  Please drive safely.

  Driving safely on icy roads

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.  This is important if it is snowing and drive a white or lighter colored vehicle.  The same is true on a gray vehicle on a paved road or a tan vehicle on a gravel road.  It may become camouflaged with the road color so turn your lights on.   
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.  This includes taillights that seem to collect dirt and snow when you drive a distance. 
5. Do not use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
6. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
7. Try not to pass snowplows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you are likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.

If you do pass a snowplow, be sure that you have a clear vision ahead of you before passing.  Allow plenty of room when passing, and do not cut in too quickly.  On two lane roads, snowplow drivers will periodically pull over to let vehicles pass. 

1. Do not assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
2. Make yourself a winter driving kit.  Jumper cables, flashlight, extra clothing or blanket and cell phone charger are just a few ideas.

10. If you see emergency lights ahead, please give them a brake and slow down.  Police/Fire/EMS may be standing along the road assisting another driver who went into the ditch.

11. If you go into the ditch, please give us a call either way.  We need to know if you need assistance and even if you do not.  That will allow us to know everyone is safe and we will not have to come looking for you after you got a ride.  We may even have your vehicle towed not knowing you had other plans or a different wrecker operator you want to use to get it out.        

And if you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact me anytime, e-mail me at mtschirgi@claytoncountyia.gov, or stop by to see me.

Thanks and be safe,

Sheriff Mike Tschirgi