As the chill of winter sets in across the Midwest, the Henry County Sheriff’s Office urges residents to brace for the seasonal challenges on the road. Snow and ice are expected to create slippery conditions, escalating the risk of traffic accidents. Authorities recommend a series of proactive measures to ensure safety: slow down to maintain control, use headlights and fog lights for increased visibility, and give snowplows the space they need to operate safely. These simple steps can significantly reduce the likelihood of accidents during adverse weather conditions. Additionally, motorists are advised to keep emergency supplies in their vehicles and ensure their car’s maintenance is up to date. Stay alert and stay safe as the winter weather takes hold.
Here are some tips and precautions to keep you safe in winter weather:
- Slow down: It’s harder to stop and control your vehicle on snow, so slow down and increase your following distance.
- Be observant: Visibility is often limited in winter, so watch for other vehicles and snow equipment.
- Avoid sudden stops: Avoid sudden stops and quick direction changes.
- Use your lights: Turn on your headlights and fog lights if visibility drops below 100 meters.
- Steer gently: If your car begins to skid, steer gently into it.
- Use your brakes: If your anti-lock braking system kicks in, keep pressing the brake pedal.
- Don’t pass snow plows: Snow plows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently.
- Check your windshield wipers: Make sure your wipers are in good working order so you can clean your windscreen effectively.
- Wear sunglasses: The glare from the sun can be dazzling in the winter when the sun is low in the sky.
- Watch out for black ice: Black ice often looks like a harmless puddle or is overlooked entirely.
