DECEMBER 2006

My October article was a refresher in winter driving tips. Being somewhat complacent I talked about the normal problems that we encounter every fall and winter with frosty window, slick roads and commonly icy areas. When I wrote that article I had no idea that we would experience the type of weather we had last week, nor did I ever think so many people would venture out into it unprepared.

This month I'd like to talk about changing our mind set from winter driving to winter driving SURVIVAL!

What ever happened to the day when people recognized the dangers and stayed at home? In extreme weather the first thing to ask is "Why do I need to drive in this?" Unless you have a dire emergency, there is no reason to drive when the roads are as treacherous as we saw last week. If you need food or other supplies, wait a day until the roads have been sanded and plowed. Not only do multiple cars on the roads make it more dangerous, traffic also gets in the way of plows trying to clear everything up.

Around here we take our mild weather for granted and don't always prepare appropriately. My mom grew up in Iowa and I can't tell you how many times she told my brother and I that we couldn't leave the house unless we had hats, gloves, heavy jackets a blanket and flashlight in the car, not to mention more than a half of tank of gas. Growing up in the Midwest, she learned early on that she was responsible for her own survival in bad weather.

The same is true for this area. The news had been reporting snow for several days prior to 11-26-06. No one should have been caught unaware; however, in the first six hours of Sunday's snowstorm we had over 220 calls for service. Most of these were from people caught in the storm unprepared. During these situations, Police, Fire and Aid are forced to prioritize response so you can't rely on our assistance. If you slide off the road or get stuck in the ditch you have to be prepared to get yourself to a safe and warm area. This means warm clothing, a cell phone and gas in your tank.

Common problems from our storm were people blocking roadways because they were unable to get up even the slightest incline and rear-end collision due to excessive speed or following to close. Slow down, avoid hills and leave more space between you and the vehicle in front. As a general rule you want to double the normal distance between cars. If you have to drive, use common sense; but, first look at all your options and when the snow melts don't think your problems are over, ice is just as dangerous.

Weather has always been interesting in the Pacific Northwest, typically we complain about the rain and occasional dusting of ice or snow. About every eight to ten years we get hit with something that catches us of guard and really makes people take notice. Our snowstorm two weeks ago was one of those events.

Prepare yourself for "winter survival" not "winter driving". Make sure you have a jacket, hat, gloves and a cell phone and never let your tank get below a half. Be prepared to "fend for yourself" so emergency services can prioritize and provided resources for the people who truly need them. If you have no alternative and must drive, slow down, avoid hills and double the distance between the car in front of you.

If taken lightly, extreme winter storms can be fatal. Don't let your self get caught off guard when the next storm hits. Remember "Preparing is Protecting".

For more information on winter driving survival please visit www.dot.winconsin.gov/winterdriving  or www.wsdot.wa.gov

Sergeant Mike Don
Crime Prevention Division