DPD Offers Safe Driving Tips for Inclement Weather

For immediate release:

DPD Offers Safe Driving Tips for Inclement Weather

DOVER, MA – With the winter storm season upon us after a late onset, the Dover Police Department would like to remind drivers to use extra caution on the roadways.

Speed is often a major factor of winter-weather related crashes. Because snow and ice greatly diminish a vehicle’s ability to stop and maneuver, extra distance and significantly slower speeds must be exercised in order to drive safely. Bridges and roadway intersections can be areas of greater hazard.

Stay alert! Always be aware of what is going on around you. Other vehicles can alert you to problem spots on the roadway which may give you the split second you need to avoid a crash.

The only two things that will safely stop a vehicle are time and distance. Anti-lock brakes and four-wheel drive are no replacement.

You can prepare for driving in inclement weather in several ways:

• Throughout the winter season keep your fuel tank topped off
• Regularly check your vehicles tires, wiper blades, battery, fluids, belts and hoses before inclement weather arrives
• Stock your vehicle with supplies such as an ice scraper, booster cables, a small bag of sand for wheel traction, a small shovel, safety flares, extra gloves, coats, hats, blankets, bottled water, pre-packaged nuts & nutrition bars
• To increase visibility and reduce hazards, remove ice and snow from your vehicle before driving
• Program AAA or a local tow company’s phone number into your cellular phone before driving. If your vehicle becomes disbled, notify the police while waiting for your tow
• Check weather and road conditions and when possible, consider staying off the roads

Report motor vehicle crashes and roadway hazards by dialing 9-1-1 on your cellular phone, as soon as it is safe to do so.

Remember: Ice and Snow, Take It Slow!