Winter Weather Driving- Be Prepared

BERRIEN COUNTY SHERIFF
Winter Weather Driving- Be Prepared
Sheriff L. Paul Bailey wants to remind Berrien County residents that winter weather is approaching soon. The days are shorter and the ever-changing Michigan weather is upon us. Sheriff Bailey wants everyone to have a safe winter and enjoy our approaching holidays. Here are some suggestions on how to keep you safe on the roads this winter season.
 Always wear your seat belt when driving and make sure your children are buckled up and in a correct fitting child safety seat or booster seat.
 Winter brings out the worst in automobiles. Now is the time to get your car in shape:
o check the antifreeze
o check the wipers and fill the windshield washer reservoir with non-freezing solution
o check your headlights, brake lights, and tail lights , side and rear view mirrors (remember to clear off the snow)
o make sure the roof is clear of snow
o keep the tires properly inflated
o keep gas tank at least half full
 Prepare a Survival Kit - warm clothes, blanket, small shovel , first aid kit, flashlight, bag of salt or kitty litter, charged cell phone, booster cables, tow rope, flares or traffic triangles and ice scraper/snow brush. Program emergency numbers into your phone, maybe to include a tow truck service.
 Tell someone you know where you are going and a time you expect to arrive. Make notification when you arrive. Have a plan to check on family and friends if they do not make it to their destination as expected.
 While you are driving in stormy conditions-
o Keep your low beams on, even during the day.
o SLOW DOWN - posted speed limits are set for ideal road and weather conditions.
o Do everything more slowly - turning, stopping and accelerating.
o Place greater distance between your car and the one in front of you. Slippery conditions can triple the distance it takes to come to a complete stop.
o Drive defensively.
o Use extra caution within shaded areas, intersections, and upon bridges or overpasses. Beware of black ice - the road appears dry or clear but is darker than usual and very slippery.
o If your vehicle begins to fish tail, turn in the direction of the skid.
o When braking on a slippery surface, allow plenty of stopping distance and, if Anti-lock brakes are not equipped on your vehicle, pump the brakes gently to avoid skidding. If you have ABS, press on the brake pedal firmly and hold.
Expect noise and vibration; this means the ABS is working. Always look and steer where you want to go.
 If your vehicle gets stuck in the snow, gently rock it back and forth to gain momentum. Place sand, salt, or cat litter under the wheels for traction. If none of these things work, stay with your vehicle, and using your cell phone, call for a wrecker if no damage is done to your vehicle or surrounding property. If your vehicle has been damaged or property has been damaged, call the Berrien County Sheriff’s Department’s non-emergency number (269) 983-7141 for a report.
 Be aware of emergency vehicles and road commission work crews trying to make your roads safe. SLOW DOWN!!!
 Remember, Michigan has a basic speed law that requires you to keep your car under control at all times. You may only be able to drive as fast as the weather conditions allow. The Berrien County Sheriff's Department wants everyone to be prepared, be alert and be safe. Remember, give yourself more time to get to your destinations.
 Do not overestimate your physical ability when clearing your home or driveway of snow. The cold weather prevents us from working the same way that we do in the warmer months. Cold weather can cause an increase in blood pressure and hides some of the indicators of being tired that we would feel in warm weather. Removing snow is rigorous work and may trigger heart –related medical problems that are often dismissed as being related to muscle strain from throwing snow around.
Here are some tips for safe shoveling:
• Check with your Doctor to make sure you are in good health for such activity.
• Warm up your muscles before starting.
• Shovel many light loads instead of fewer heavy ones.
• Take frequent breaks inside a warm place.
• Drink plenty of water.
• Head indoors right away if your chest starts hurting, you feel lightheaded or short of breath, your heart starts racing, or some other physical change makes you nervous. If you think you are having a heart attack, or symptoms consistent with one, call 911 or your local emergency number.
• Check on neighbors and family who may not be in good health. Lend a hand if you are able.
Sheriff Bailey and all of his Deputies want to ensure everybody is having a safe winter season. The cold weather can be dangerous, but in taking some precautions we can work together to lessen many risks associated with our Michigan winters.