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Winter weather driving reminder from the State Police

By Howard B. Owens

Press release:

In preparation for the first real snowfall for this season, the State Police encourage motorists to exercise due care over the next few days. There is expected to be significant snowfall through Saturday that will impact parts of Western New York.

The State Police will be out across the region checking all major routes of travel to ensure that motorists are as safe as possible. The State Police need your assistance to make this possible. Motorists traveling in areas impacted by the snow are asked to consider traveling only if necessary. Take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind and visibility. Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent.

Keep the following tips in mind:
- Get the latest weather forecast before leaving – www.weather.gov , monitor radio or TV stations or contact your nearest State Police station.
- Keep a full tank of gas.
- Make sure your fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze).
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Spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench.
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Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather then your headlights must be on.
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Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse you should decrease your speed accordingly.
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Brake early and correctly.
- Be careful, snow and cold temperatures can create icy conditions. Pay particular attention on bridges and overpasses.
- Do NOT use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
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Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.
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Be aware of snow plows, maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.
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If you do not absolutely have to go out on the roads, then don’t.

Doug Yeomans

Not to be critical, but I'd like to remind police of the headlight/wipers rule. Many times I see trooper and sheriff cars without their headlights on while their wipers are in use.

Be careful, folks. Winter has returned so give up the summertime driving habits. I want to be able to berate all of you for another year so please slow down, be considerate of other drivers and lets all live to trade quips for another year.

Dec 21, 2012, 3:34pm Permalink
Jeffrey Appis

There has been more senseless accidents this year that i have ever seen before , And those were on dry roads. I hate to see what it's going to be like on slippery roads. Like i told my Son, Take it slow and easy, And most of all , Watch out for the other guy ahead of you and behind you by scanning your mirrors every 30 seconds . This is how i was trained at Fedex, And it saved my life many times.. Drive Safe Everyone, And Have a Merry Christmas ..

Dec 21, 2012, 5:46pm Permalink

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