Drive safely in wintry road conditions

MT. PLEASANT — While the snow waited until after Thanksgiving to turn Southeast Iowa’s fields white, it still came. With the impending arrival of winter comes potentially dangerous driving conditions.

Just before the first snowfall hit Henry County Saturday night into Sunday, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office reminded motorists how to drive safely in wintry conditions.

“ … there’s snow (no) way out of winter weather so we might as well be prepared,” Henry County Sheriff’s Office posted.

The Sheriff’s Office suggest six winter driving tips:

1. Drive slowly

According to the Iowa Department of Transportation, “Stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. If you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. If you don’t have anti-lock brakes, gently pump the pedal.”

Even vehicles with four-wheel drive should slow down on wintry roads, the Iowa DOT suggests.

“You may not be able to stop any faster, or maintain control any better, once you lose traction,” they inform.

Drivers should especially slow down when approaching intersections, offramps, bridges or shady spots as they are all candidates for black ice.

The DOT also encourages drivers to accelerate gradually to maintain traction.

2. Avoid Cruise Control

“You need to be in control of when your vehicle accelerates based on road conditions- don’t let the cruise control make a bad decision for you,” the Iowa DOT explains.

3. Increase Distance

“Increasing your distance will give you additional time for slowing down and braking,” Henry County Sheriff’s Office stated in their warning.

The Iowa Department of Public Safety suggests drivers put five to six seconds of time between them and the vehicle they’re following.

4. Separate Control Inputs

The Sheriff’s Office encourages drivers to only do one thing at a time when possible.

This means accelerate, brake or steer separately.

5. Check road conditions

Road conditions are available through www.511ia.org or by calling 511

The 511 program provides information for road conditions throughout Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

Weather conditions are available through www.weatherview.iowadot.gov or www.weather.gov

6. Be Prepared

“Pack and carry an emergency supply kit,” the sheriff’s office encourages.

Iowa 511 suggests emergency kits include a full tank of gas, first aid kit, flash light, phone charger, water, snacks, ice scraper, winter clothes, and jumper cables.

“And remember don’t flurry (hurry) when driving in winter weather road conditions,” Henry County Sheriff’s Office lightheartedly reminded drivers.

In addition to the sheriff’s office warning, Iowa DOT reminds drivers to travel safely around plows as they do their work this winter.

They ask motorists to not crowd, tailgate, or stop too closely behind plows.

“Snowplows are usually spreading de-icing material from the back of the truck,” they explain. “They may need to stop to take evasive action to avoid stranded vehicles. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay behind it or use caution when passing.”

If passing a snowplow, do not remain beside the vehicle very long as impact with snowdrifts or packed snow can cause the trucks to move sideways.

Overall, motorists should give the plows plenty of room as they drive slowly and make frequent stops to clear roadways and make them safer for travel.

Comments: AnnaMarie.Ward@southeastiowaunion.com