NEWBURY — Police Chief Patricia Fisher and Fire Chief David Evans would like to share the following winter weather driving safety tips with residents.
Due to the recent winter storm, low temperatures, high winds, snow and ice have covered parts of New England, making travel difficult and often dangerous.
Newbury Police and Fire have been monitoring the roadways and have responded to several areas regarding motor vehicle incidents due to winter weather.
Newbury Police and Fire would like to share the following winter safety tips from Massachusetts Department of Transportation and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) with residents:
Preparing Vehicle
- Clean all snow and ice off vehicles before driving.
- Bring a shovel or snowbrush.
- Prepare your route and know how you are traveling to a place before leaving.
- Make sure phone batteries are charged, and that the vehicle has enough gas or charge.
- Keep an extra coat and gloves in your vehicle in the event you get stuck.
Driving
- If possible, wait for the storm to pass before traveling.
- Allow for extra time when coming to a stop or taking a corner. Road conditions can be hazardous and can cause cars to slide.
- Make sure your headlights are on and working properly.
- Limit all driving distractions.
- Adhere to posted signage, including stop signs and road closures.
- Power could be affected during storms which can lead to traffic light issues.
- Don’t crowd plows. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don’t pass on the right.
Flooded Roadways
- Do not drive or walk through flooded roadways Seek alternative routes.
- Many of the washed-out roadways have dips in the middle where the water is deeper. This depth usually causes the car to stall, thus stranding you in deep water without a boat or life vest.
- Roadways may have collapsed under water, and driving through puddles can result in an increased danger.
- 6 inches of tidal water can knock an adult over. Between 6-12inches could carry a vehicle with the current/tide. Wind speeds and directions can make these occurrences more probable.
- Salt water is corrosive and can eat away at a cars break lines, break pads and rotors in addition to all metal and wires, if not treated properly after exposure.
- Water in the engine or exhaust will cause the car to stall. If you find yourself stuck in your car on a roadway like this, call 911 immediately, do not try and wait-out the tide.
Residents who find themselves stuck in roadways due to flooding or winter weather should call 911.
Newbury Police and Fire would like to remind residents to stay safe and be cautious while driving.
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