March 28, 2024

NPD urges caution as winter weather moves in

Snow is predicted to cover the roads from interstates to city streets courtesy of a weekend snow storm. Before heading out in your vehicle, local authorities are urging motorists 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.

“Winterizing involves checking the mechanical condition of your vehicle, including the tires, exhaust system, battery, wipers and all of the lighting equipment,” Newton Police Chief Rob Burdess said.

Burdess said Iowa weather can change rapidly and motorists should ask themselves if the trip is really necessary or if it can be delayed until the roads are cleared.

If driving is necessary or if there is still remnants of a past storm on the roads, Burdess has several tips to keep safe while venturing out.

“Check weather and road conditions before your trip. There are many resources to help you plan. (The website) 511ia.org can tell you which roads are travelable and which aren’t,” Burdess said.

Maintain a safe speed for the conditions

Remember speed limits are set for ideal conditions. When visibility is reduced and/or road surfaces deteriorate, reduce your speed.

Maintain a safe following distance

In stormy, snowy and icy conditions, increase your following distance. Remember your stopping distance on adverse highway conditions will be many times greater than that of ideal, dry conditions.

Be a safe defensive driver

Don’t just watch how you’re driving. Pay attention to the drivers around you. If another motorist is driving too fast or erratically, slow down or take an alternate route.

Use caution when approaching a snowplow

Be patient. Do not follow too close, and resist the urge to pass a snowplow unless you are sure you can do so safely.

Always wear your safety belt

Make sure that all of the occupants in your vehicle, especially children wear their safety belt.

In the event that an accident occurs, Burdess said one way to be prepared is keeping an emergency kit in your car. An emergency kit can include a flashlight with extra batteries, an ice scraper, a cloth or paper towels, a small first aid kit, a blanket or sleeping bag, a well-charged cell phone, extra gloves or mittens, a hat and scarf, a small shovel (perhaps collapsible), salt or sand for traction, matches or a lighter, high-calorie non-perishable food (candy bars, granola bars, cans of stew, raisins, etc.), jumper cables and an emergency sign or warning triangles.

“If you’re involved in a car crash during inclement weather, stay in your vehicle and call for help. Cold temps and low visibility can make you disoriented. You don’t want to get lost in a storm or hit by a passing driver who can’t see you or the road very well. Let your car provide shelter until help arrives,” Burdess said.

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.

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