With temperatures in the 60s earlier this week in northern Illinois, snow is far from mind. Winter’s official onset comes soon nonetheless, and a few tips for staying safe should be observed all times of year.
Every time I drive the Illinois Tollway recently, I’m reminded in digital messages how many people have met their demise on the road: More than 880 people have lost their lives on Illinois roadways so far in 2012, and the number creeps up a dozen or more every week.
Traffic fatalities in Illinois had been on the decline for several years, but this year, the number has risen sharply, and is now up nearly 10 percent over the same period last year, according to the tollway. That, of course, is only one measure of the costs of traffic crashes.
The best advice for driving in bad winter weather is not to drive at all if you can avoid it. Wait until snow plows and sanding trucks have had a chance to do their work. Other tips:
- Take extra care in parking lots: Always clean snow from all windows and allow time for your vehicle’s defroster to clean windshield. The two minutes you might save by leaving sooner aren’t worth the decreased visibility.
- Slow down: It seems obvious, but pay attention to speed. Take extra care on bridges and overpasses. Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
- Brake gently.
- Be seen: Turn on your lights to increase visibility to other motorists.
- Get the right supplies & equipment: Make a habit of filling your windshield cleaner and consider investing in heavy-duty windshield wipers.
- Remind company drivers: Driving a company vehicle is a privilege that comes with responsibility.