In the short time winter has been upon us, Mainers have been blasted by much snow, freezing rain, sleet and ice storms ”“ and it’s only early January.
That means there is a lot of winter weather still to be had, and a lot of difficult driving ahead.
It always takes a few snow events for people in New England to get the hang of driving in it, but we can never get used to black ice and unexpected slippery spots, because they are nearly possible to see, and once we’ve hit a patch of ice, there’s not much to be done.
To keep from having your car fishtail wildly, sliding off the road into a snow bank ”“ or worse, another car ”“ there’s one thing everyone can do to make the roads safer this time of year: slow down.
It is tempting to see how fast we can go, particularly during the work commute, but even with the proper snow tires and other winter gear, ice is an equal opportunity offender. From the largest truck to the smallest sedan, everyone can fall victim to its wrath.
Accidents in winter don’t only affect the driver, either. Accidents slow traffic for everyone, making driving in such weather even more frustrating. There is also typically property damage, and in the worst cases, serious injury or loss of life.
As emergency and road officials say, if you don’t have to drive during inclement weather, don’t. But if you do, there are some steps each and every driver should take to make the their travels as safe as they can be. The Maine Department of Transportation recommends the following:
”¢ Take it slow: Stopping on snow or ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. Drive slowly ”“ below the posted speed limit ”“ to allow time to adjust to the conditions. This is especially true at intersections, off-ramps, bridges and shady areas where black ice can form without being noticed.
”¢ Four-wheel drive may help drivers get going faster, but it doesn’t help the vehicle stop sooner or maintain control better once traction is lost.
Ӣ Allow extra room between vehicles: Longer stopping distances and extra time are required during winter conditions to avoid chain-reaction crashes.
”¢ Don’t take chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles. When the pavement is wet, drivers may not be able to slow down or accelerate as quickly as on dry pavement.
Ӣ Avoid using cruise control. Drivers need to be in full control when road conditions are wet or icy. Also avoid sudden or excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating.
Ӣ Brake early, brake slowly, brake correctly and never slam on the brakes. With anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. Those without anti-lock brakes should gently pump the pedal.
”¢ Stay alert: Be aware of what’s going on. Other vehicles can alert drivers to problem spots on the road, which may give one the notice needed to avoid a crash. Do not use a cellphone when driving in inclement weather; focus on the road at all times is necessary.
By taking these extra precautions during inclement weather, all drivers can help make the roads a safer place to be during the winter.
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Today’s editorial was written by City Editor Robyn Burnham Rousseau on behalf of the Journal Tribune Editorial Board. Questions? Comments? Contact Managing Editor Kristen Schulze Muszynski by calling 282-1535, ext. 322, or via email at kristenm@journaltribune.com.
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