Police Chief's S.C.A.N. Newsletter

February 2012

With the cold month of January behind us, we can all begin to look forward to only a few more weeks of wintry weather.

Until then, here are a few tips to help assure safe winter travel:

• Before leaving your home or workplace, check the latest weather report, and keep the radio tuned to a traffic and weather station to keep apprised of any changing situations, or accidents.

• Try to keep at least a half-full tank of gas during cold weather so that the fuel lines do not freeze.

• Maintain slower speeds and keep a wider distance between your vehicle and others on the roadways to allow longer stopping times.

• Start breaking early as you approach intersections to compensate for possible skidding.

• Avoid sudden stopping, steering or accelerating to help maintain control of the vehicle.

• SUV’s do not necessarily provide invincibility under winter conditions, especially icy surfaces.

• Keep your windshield free of snow, ice and salt to assist your visibility, and check your washer fluid routinely.

• Pay attention to the road, looking farther ahead in traffic so you can anticipate or determine which moves you may have to make to avoid an accident.

• All vehicles require longer stopping times during snowy conditions, especially trucks, so be sure not to cut off a truck, in particular.

• Use your breaks correctly. If you have anti-lock brakes, simply apply slow, steady pressure; pumping the brakes is only for older vehicles without ABS systems.

• When in doubt, err on the side of courtesy and since we all make mistakes from time to time, leave room for grace on the highway.

Be safe, and Happy Valentine’s Day!

-Acting Chief Chet DeGray