Bangor PD Asks That We Keep Headlights On When Driving In A Storm

Last time we had a bad snow storm the Bangor PD called and asked us to remind driver to have their lights on if they must be on the slippery winter roads during a storm. City snowplow drivers had been call them to complain because visibility was poor and they were having trouble seeing cars without their headlights on.

You can add to that to remind yourself and younger drivers to pull out slowly into the road way when the snowbanks block your visibility. Oncoming traffic often can’t see you and vice versa.

We’ll consider that your first couple of tips for driving during a storm here in Maine.  AAA has a few more so let’s visit them and stay safe. They may seem obvious to you but I assure you for many people this is news.

Tips for driving in the snow:

• Accelerate and brake slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to jack rabbit start when conditions are slippery. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on snow-covered roads. Accelerating, stopping, turning – nothing happens as quickly as on dry pavement. Give yourself time to maneuver by driving slowly.
• The normal dry pavement following distance of three to four seconds should be increased to eight to ten seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, the best way to stop is threshold breaking. Keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in the snow, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate: If you don’t have somewhere you have to be, watch the snow from indoors.