Campaign Urges Drivers to Prepare for Winter Weather
Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has declared Nov. 16-22 Indiana Winter Weather Preparedness Week, and the Indiana Department ofTransportation (INDOT) is urging all residents drivers to use this week to prepare their vehicles for the season and brush up on winter driving strategies.
Winter storms can be dangerous for motorists and INDOT workers should motorists not use safe driving strategies. According to the National Weather Service, 11 of 17 winter weather related deaths occur in motor vehicles. The majority of those deaths could have been prevented if the traveler was aware of road conditions and prepared for the worst.
To promote winter driving safety, INDOT is joining several other Snow Belt states with the winter safety campaign, Ice and Snow.Take it Slow. The multi-state campaign reminds motorists that slow and cautious driving is the key to staying safe on the roads during winter weather.
"With the possibility of flurries in our near future, it is the perfect time to remind motorists to prepare for inclement weather," stated Sam Sarvis, Vincennes District Deputy Commissioner. "Drivers should slow down and allow additional space between their vehicle and those around them," stated Sarvis. "Motorists should be alert while driving near snow plows on all state and local routes."
INDOT is encouraging motorists to practice safe driving during winter storms this season. By slowing down, giving plows room to work and allowing extra time to get to your destination; we can save lives this winter on Indiana highways. Drivers should ready their vehicles for winter and review the driving tips below to prepare for a safe winter:
• Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, take it slow or just don't go.
• Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see, and more importantly, be seen. Drive with head lights on during weather.
• Inspect: Check your vehicle's tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
• Time: Allow additional time to reach your destination safely.
For additional winter driving tips, visit www.winterdrivingsafety.in.gov.