EFFINGHAM - With the hazardous
winter weather predicted, the Illinois State Police wants to ensure motorists
are prepared for inclement weather and adverse driving conditions. It is recommended that the public stay home
unless absolutely necessary. If you must
travel, we want to remind drivers to allow sufficient time to reach your destination
safely. The weather can change quickly
and create hazardous driving conditions, but there are various steps you can
take to make winter driving a safer experience.
Regular vehicle maintenance, appropriate tire pressure, the use of
seatbelts, and emergency car care kits
are a great start.
The ISP offers the
following tips for a safe winter driving season:
Reduce Your Speed
- Snow, ice and wet roadways can make for hazardous driving conditions and can reduce your
visibility. Driving too fast for conditions is the leading cause of traffic crashes during the winter
season, so we urge the motoring public to
slow down.
- Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, curves and bridges. These areas can develop black
ice - a
thin coating of clear ice that can
form on the pavement and may be difficult to see. This includes shaded
areas where ice and snow are the last to melt.
- Avoid abrupt steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of your vehicle.
Don't follow too closely or tailgate
- Winter road conditions often require longer stopping distances. Allow sufficient space between
vehicles to give yourself enough room to stop.
Don't make sudden lane changes
- Stay in your lane. Sudden lane changes can cause your vehicle to lose
traction, and cause you to lose control
of your vehicle.
- Always use your turn signal. Be courteous and let other drivers know that
you are preparing to change lanes.
- Don't take
chances when pulling out in front of approaching vehicles, they may not be able to slow down, and you may not
be able to accelerate as quickly as you would on dry pavement. Remember snow and ice makes it more difficult
to maneuver your vehicle.
Always wear your safety belt
- Safety belt use is known to save lives, so remind everyone in your vehicle to "Buckle-Up",
and make sure children under the age of 8 are securely fastened in a child safety seat.
Move over and slow
down for emergency vehicles
- The "Move Over Law" (also known as "Scotts Law") was enacted to protect
the men and women who provide an invaluable service to public. Troopers will be enforcing this law throughout the
winter season to increase the chances of everyone getting home safely.
When you see an emergency vehicle or snow plow, remember to:
- Change lanes, if possible
