Broome County Sheriff Issues Winter Weather Safety Tips

Things are still somewhat in the air with the weather. What we do know is that we’re under a winter storm warning this morning through Thursday morning and that we’re looking at anywhere from 7 to 14 inches of snow by the time the storm passes through.

With that said, Broome County Sheriff David Harder has some tips so we can stay safe through this storm and the rest of the winter.

Limit your travel if possible. If you absolutely have to travel, allow yourself extra time to get where you need to go. Also be sure to have at least a half tank of gas in your vehicle. Dress warmly and make sure that your cell phone is fully charged, in case you need to call for help.

If possible, park your car off roadways so that Public Works staff can remove snow.

If you’re in an accident, stay in your vehicle, call 911 and wait inside your car for help. Getting out of your car and walking around could be dangerous.

Remember to take breaks while shoveling your driveway and sidewalk to avoid back injuries and/or possible heart attacks.

Sheriff Harder also offers this advice for driving in winter weather:

1) Turn you headlights on, be visible, anytime something it’s raining, snowing, etc., you should be using your vehicle’s lights.

2) Keep your all your windows clear of snow/ice, and make sure they are not fogged up on the inside.

3) Decrease your speed, it takes much farther of a distance to stop when the pavement isn’t warm and dry.

4) Increase your following distance between cars at least 3-4 times than normal. If someone stops, and you rear end them – it may be considered your fault.

5) Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.

6) Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on ice roadways.

7) Utilize low hears to keep traction, especially on hills.
8) Remember that bridges, overpasses always freeze first. (Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you may encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.

9) Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions, even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles encounter trouble on winter roads.

10) Remember that snow plows have limited visibility; be careful if you absolutely have to pass the plow.