Winter Safety Tips

Be prepared:

• Check your windshield washer fluid regularly. If possible, keep an extra container in your vehicle.  
• Keep an ice scraper and brush in your vehicle at all times.  

Allow for more stopping distance:

• It takes 3-12 times more distance to stop on icy or snowy roads.  
• Give snowplows and sanding trucks plenty of room to operate.
• Snowplows are wider than one traffic lane. You can avoid getting squeezed on the road (and avoid limited visibility caused by flying snow and ice) by not passing snowplows.    
• Sanding trucks have spinners that distribute traction materials across two lanes of traffic. Stay at least 3-4 car lengths behind to avoid windshield damage.   
• Sanding trucks also weigh up to 54,000 pounds when loaded and therefore drive slowly. Again, stay 3-4 car lengths behind to allow adequate stopping distance.   

Keep your vehicle clear of snow and ice:

• Flying snow or ice can impede your visibility as well as that of vehicles behind you. Clear snow and ice from your entire vehicle, including your front windshield, rear window, side windows, headlights, taillights, hood, roof, and trunk.   

Avoid driving through snow that is too deep:

• Your vehicle may become stuck, leaving you stranded.     

Stay home during a major winter storm:

• Staying home during a storm will save wear and tear on your car, avoid the stress of driving, and reduce the number of vehicles on the roadways to give the sanding trucks and snow plows more room to operate. 

For more information contact the Department of Public Works at (508) 539-1490