Winter driving: sheriff’s report

The Henry County Sheriff’s Department offers sound advice for winter weather driving. While it would be wonderful if everyone could stay home warm and safe, sometimes it is necessary to travel under horrible conditions. First, check 511.org for road conditions before you leave. Do not call Henry County Dispatch for road conditions. They cannot provide that information. Also, keeping the lines to Dispatch and 911 is critical.

Sheriff McNamee airs a monthly update on KILJ Radio, 105.5 FM around 8 a.m. Listening regularly would be a good habit to cultivate. The Henry County Iowa Sheriff’s Office Facebook page has two posters to download and print as reminders.

First: Driving Policies (Good in all circumstances, but critical in winter) 1. Snowing? Headlights On! 2. Avoid Using Cruise Control! 3. Leave Early. Slow Down. Be Patient!!! 4. Increase Your Following Distance. 5. Clear Snow Off your ENTIRE vehicle. 6. Give Snowplows Extra Room

Second: Do You Have Everything You Need? 1. Phone Charger. If you have an emergency, it is wise to keep your phone warm. If there is a possibility that you will be stranded a long time, turn off the phone to save the battery. 2. Jumper Cables 3. Full Tank of Gas. It is also recommended that the tank never be less than half full. 4. Bag of Salt or Calcium Chloride. 5. Shovel, Ice scraper and Snow brush 6. Tow Rope 7. Flashlight

If there are children, the following are especially important. 8. First Aid Kit 9. Blankets or mummy bags (enough for everyone,) 10. Boots, Mittens, Stocking caps and extra dry warm clothing 11. Water, not soft drinks, plus protein and energy snacks for everyone

Car and Driver magazine has some other important notes regarding winter driving. Many ask if there are differences in the rules if one is stranded in an electric vehicle. The policies are much the same. Trials have found that with a fully charged battery, an electric vehicle will keep one warm for about 48 hours — a full tank gas vehicle for about 52 hours. If stranded in a drift or very deep snow, a gas motor should not be running unless the exhaust is determined to be free and clear. If EV batteries are damaged, running the vehicle can be dangerous. The batteries can overheat and cause fire. They also give off toxic fumes. Well ventilated interiors of a stranded vehicle of either type are very important. Use common sense.

Lastly, know the laws of the state. Many western states will shut down the roads. Your vehicle is required to exit the interstate and the road leading on to the interstate is closed with a gate. If stranded, many states also ask one to stay off the shoulder. The shoulder is used by snowplows to begin opening the road and hopefully not damaging any vehicles.