12/08/2008
Each year, at the start of winter, the Waterville Communications Center begins receiving additional reports of accidents and vehicles that have slid off the road because of road conditions.
It always seems like the first storm or two generate an atypical amount of fender benders, as though people have forgotten how to drive in the slush and snow that cover our roads. Probable also is that many of us really aren’t prepared for the first storm of the season and haven’t adjusted our internal clocks so that we leave a few minutes early.
Add to that the chaos of the season, people rushing to complete holiday tasks, dusk coming earlier, school schedules changing and slippery, snow-covered roads and it’s a wonder any of us get where we are going.
I found this out on my way into work during our first snowfall. Several times during my commute I felt the back of my car sliding and my initial panic at trying to remember which way to turn the steering wheel to reduce the odds of going into an out of control skid.
I made it to work without incident, but on this particular morning many other drivers weren’t so fortunate: In two hours, we took seven calls for accidents and of cars sliding off the road.
So what can we do to make our drive safer for everyone?
First, check the weather report and road conditions prior to venturing out. The state offers up-to-date road conditions and travel information via Maine Department of Transportation. You can access this information online at www.511maine.com or by calling 511 from your phone.
I also checked multiple web sites by searching “winter driving tips” as well as the State of Maine Motorist Handbook and Study Guide (also available online) and the owner’s manual that came with my vehicle.
From all of these resources I have compiled a brief list of winter driving essentials.
• Aside from staying home if it’s not imperative that you go out, slow down. On icy roads, decrease speed and allow extra time to stop. This is foremost.
• Vehicle maintenance is essential. Proper tires, fluids, windshield wipers and lights are crucial. Use your lights and windshield wipers to increase visibility and don’t use cruise control.
• Be sensible. Don’t try to pass plows or sand trucks. Also, brake gently to avoid a skid. If you do start to skid, ease off the brake. Only pump your brakes if your car doesn’t have an automatic braking system. If you do have it, apply firm pressure (a thumping sound is normal).
• If you get in an accident or slide off the road call the police right away, or 911 if there is an emergency. Unless it is more dangerous to do so (in case of a fire, for instance) stay in your vehicle, especially if you are in a rural location or if there is poor visibility. Staying in your vehicle keeps you safe from the elements and makes finding you easier for emergency responders.
• Prepare a car-care package before you need it. Include a flashlight and blankets, a shovel, a bag of salt or cat litter for traction, and some bright-colored cloth to mark your vehicle.
Reduce risks of car burglaries
I want to address another topic that unfortunately keeps the police busy this time of year: automobile burglaries. I searched our records for the last 30 days and found that out of 2,994 calls for service , 90 were theft complaints and 21 of those thefts occurred in unlocked motor vehicles.
It’s easy to leave your purse in your car while you run in for a minute to pay for your gas. It’s easy to park in your driveway and leave items in your unlocked car thinking no one will bother it. It’s easy to simply forget to lock your car too, but statistically, it’s not worth the commotion or a criminal’s time to attempt to gain entry into a locked car, especially when there is an unlocked one nearby.
Of the 21 car burglary complaints in the last 30 days, a few have been minor: change, cigarettes, in some cases nothing taken. Some have been more serious. Medication missing, purses stolen, even a GPS unit. Think about other items left in your car, too: your garage-door opener, mail with your address on it, your extra set of house keys, etc. Do you want these items falling into the wrong hands?
In order to try to keep your holidays and shopping experiences more pleasant, consider the following:
• Keep doors locked and windows closed while you are out of the vehicle, and remember to take your key with you.
• Try to park in well-lit and populated areas.
• Don’t leave gifts or other valuables in plain sight, or even better, take them with you when possible.
• When you must leave items in your car, put them in the trunk or cover them up.
• No matter how quick the errand, never leave your car running, or your keys inside.
• Be aware of your surroundings and realize that this time of year a thief is busy doing his/her holiday shopping too; the difference is they may be doing their shopping in your car.
Questions or comments about this article may be e-mailed to outoftheblue@waterville-me.gov.
Jaye Lowe is a dispatcher for the Waterville Police Department.ⵯ
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