Winter road conditions challenging for motorists

Thanks to a weekend snow storm, roads from interstates to city streets are covered in snow and ice. Before even heading out in your vehicle, local authorities are urging motorists to be sure to remember some winter driving basics.

As the cold sets in, check the tires on your vehicle and have it prepped at your local body shop for winter driving. Make sure an oil change is up to date, as well as all other liquids. If you know a storm is coming, try to make grocery trips to prepare before the first signs start appearing and prioritize how important venturing out in the weather is.

“If it isn’t necessarily a priority, people should stay in for their safety as well as other people’s safety,” said Newton Police Chief Jeff Hoebelheinrich.

If you must drive during a snow storm, or for the first time you venture out after snow has fallen, prepare your vehicle for the trip. Also, tell another person where you are going and when to expect your arrival.

“One of the big problems that we see is people taking off and they don’t scrape off their windows and there is still ice there,” Hoebelheinrich said.

He suggested giving your car plenty of time to warm up, which helps what is under the hood as well as defrosting the windows. Do not start driving until the entire windshield and side windows are cleared off. Clear vision while driving on unpredictable roads can help prevent unnecessary fender benders.

Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty added that checking the weather conditions before leaving will help prepare for a long or short trip.

“The road conditions can change in a second. They can be completely dry and no problem and then within the next mile they could have black ice, snow and it could cause them to lose control,” Halferty said.

Hoebelheinrich said that with roads not in optimal condition, expect to take longer to get to your destination. Add a few minutes to your commute to make sure you arrive safely and on time.

“You should be slower coming up to stop lights because if they turn you don’t have as much reaction time and you’ll slide right through intersection,” Hoebelheinrich said.

Because of snow and ice, it is harder to stop approching to an intersection, and even if you do slide through a stop sign because of ice, you could still be cited for a traffic violation.

If you are traveling a long distance, stock your vehicle in case of an emergency situation. Hoebelheinrich suggests keeping a flash light, cell phone charger, extra clothes and coats, as well as blankets in the vehicle at all times through out winter in case of a stalled or ditched vehicle. He also said it is good to travel with a full tank of gas, so if you do end up in the ditch you could stay warm for several hours or overnight. If your car is stuck, do not leave the vehicle because it is the first place rescue will look for you. It may be helpful to keep a bag of sand or litter to help gain traction under the drive tires if trying to get the vehicle free.

While driving, be attentive to officers as well as tow trucks along the side of the road on both the interstate as well as highways and city streets.

“Especially on the interstate, but even in town if you see a police officer or a tow truck absolutely you need to slow down and get into another lane or the opposite lane. If you are on the interstate it is mandatory that you get into the next lane,” Hoebelheinrich said. “They lose a dozen or so officers and tow truck drivers are killed every year by people getting hit on the interstate.”

Halferty continued that it is one of the biggest concerns of law enforcement.

“It’s slow down or move over. It’s extremely dangerous out there and to have motorist who aren’t paying attention to that or not slowing down. We have to spend a lot of our time looking behind us or looking at the oncoming traffic and also worry about whatever we are dealing with,” Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty said.

Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com.