Our View: It's time to drive right on icy roads
We may be eyeing warmer driving conditions as the week progresses, but the Monday Arctic blast that left our roadways sheathed in ice was a reminder that slippery slopes are ahead — and that we must adjust our driving habits to match the conditions for the safety of drivers, passenger and pedestrians alike.
Most important, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends avoiding travel before plows and sanders have had the opportunity to improve the road. But if this isn't possible, decreasing speed during icy conditions and leaving yourself enough room to stop is paramount. When the roads are slick, drivers need to leave three times more space than usual between them and the vehicle in front of theirs'.
Braking gently to avoid skidding, keeping lights on and windshields clear are also vital to safe travel on icy roads. More unique to the High Country — drivers should use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills, should take extra precaution on bridges, which tend to freeze before other roadways, and be alert on infrequently traveled roads.
Other important reminders include not using cruise control on icy roads and avoiding passing snow plows and sanding trucks — you're likely to find worse road conditions in front of snow clearing equipment than behind.
And, especially important for our local drivers: Don't assume your vehicle is fit for all conditions. No vehicle is equipped to drive normally on ice, and even four-wheel drive vehicles can find trouble on slick roadways.
That's also what makes your seat belt standard-use equipment every time you're in a vehicle.
Most important, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends avoiding travel before plows and sanders have had the opportunity to improve the road. But if this isn't possible, decreasing speed during icy conditions and leaving yourself enough room to stop is paramount. When the roads are slick, drivers need to leave three times more space than usual between them and the vehicle in front of theirs'.
Braking gently to avoid skidding, keeping lights on and windshields clear are also vital to safe travel on icy roads. More unique to the High Country — drivers should use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills, should take extra precaution on bridges, which tend to freeze before other roadways, and be alert on infrequently traveled roads.
Other important reminders include not using cruise control on icy roads and avoiding passing snow plows and sanding trucks — you're likely to find worse road conditions in front of snow clearing equipment than behind.
And, especially important for our local drivers: Don't assume your vehicle is fit for all conditions. No vehicle is equipped to drive normally on ice, and even four-wheel drive vehicles can find trouble on slick roadways.
That's also what makes your seat belt standard-use equipment every time you're in a vehicle.