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Precautions needed on slick roads
BY CORY CLAESON
STATESMAN STAFF WRITER
ASSOCIATED PRESS
*Due to icy roads, at least one person was killed last Tuesday after an accident involving a five vehicle pile up northeast of LaPorte, Ind.
The typical Duluth winter makes driving far from easy for people around the area, but there are ways to improve your driving on less-than-ideal road conditions. According to the university police, the best advice for driving in bad winter weather is to not drive at all. This is not always an option for students who need to drive from their home to work or school, so students often take more caution when driving.
“I slow down a bit and concentrate on the people behind me more,” said fifth-year student Kerry Kramp. John Bray, special assistant to the District Engineer at the Minnesota Department of Transportation, recommends
many things to stay safe on the road. According to Bray, slowing down is one of the best ways to be safe while on the roads, especially when they are icy. “Be responsible for your own safety and everyone else,” said Bray.
He advises that electronic devices such as cell phones and iPods should not be used while driving, and also suggests that you leave more space in front of you, pay attention more, be sober and use common sense while driving. “When people get in the car, they seem to throw common sense out the window,” said Bray. It takes one inch of snow for the roads to be in poor condition. Drivers should allow three times more space than usual when driving behind others, according to university police.
Another thing to make sure of is to wipe off car windows thoroughly and completely. Failure to not scrape off windshields can result in danger to pedestrians and cars, and may include a hefty ticket, according to university police. “I hate it when people drive when their windows are so icy,” said sophomore Sara Jandt. Although snow on windshields can impair vision, another obstacle is the low traction on roads.
Traction of vehicles is a big issue when driving around Duluth, especially on the hills. To improve driving on icy roads, university police suggests a driver can avoid braking hard, use low gears and not use cruise control.
Those tips can help students avoid losing control on the roads. “I’ve done a complete 360-degree turn in the middle of the road,” said freshman Chelsie Waller. In addition to the safety precautions a student can take while driving, there are also steps students can take before they get behind the wheel. The first thing a student can do before driving is to check the weather and plan ahead. Another step is to store necessary automobile equipment such as a spare tire, a shovel and jumper cables. One last suggestion for students is to store a survival kit containing a first-aid kit, food and a flashlight.
“Your main job is driving,” said Bray.
