Local road conditions make for risky driving
<p>Slick roadways have been reported around Sanders County. Drivers are advised to slow down and pay careful attention to their surroundings.</p>
SANDERS COUNTY – Northwestern Montana has experienced some snow causing icy conditions over the week. However, County Emergency Management Coordinator Bill Naegeli said the weather is nothing out of the ordinary for this time of year.
With no major amounts of snow, or major accidents, the slippery roads caused a few minor accidents throughout the county.
“People realize that it is winter and people have slowed down considerably,” said Naegeli.
Naegeli explained that colder, cooler, weather, which the county has recently been experiencing, helps create better traction for vehicles.
“At freezing, (the roads) actually pack down and retain more moisture and make it slicker,” said Naegeli.
With more snow in the forecast, it is important to keep in mind safe driving tips for the winter.
From Jan. 5 to Jan. 14, Montana Highway Patrol recorded ten crashes with no injuries in Sanders County, two crashes with unknown injuries and one crash that resulted in injury.
According to the Montana Department of Transportation, twenty to forty percent of crashes occur under icy or snowy conditions.
Before you head out in snowy conditions it is recommended to check road conditions by either calling the toll-free line at 511 or 1-800-226-76233 or by logging onto www.mdt511.com to check nearby road conditions.
Tuning into your local radio station can also help provide specific road conditions for your area.
It is important to leave early and allow extra time to reach your destination. Shady spots and bridges are typically hazardous areas potentially housing icy spots.
MDT advises to keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road. Snowplows typically travel slowly, between 25 to 30 miles per hour. MDT advises to never pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. If planning to pass a snowplow, keep in mind that the driver of the plow may have a difficult time seeing you, especially while clearing the road up ahead. Never pass a snowplow on the right side. Some plows are equipped with a wing plow, which is an eight-foot extension off the right side of the vehicle. MDT also states that not all plows are removing snow. Some may be spreading sand or deicer on the road. Maintaining a safe distance behind the snowplow will help decrease your chances of your vehicle being sprayed. It is important to remember the road conditions in front of the snowplow are the reason the plows are working. Use extreme caution.
MDT also states that high speeds in poor or no visibility weather can lead to sometimes large chain reaction accidents. In order to prevent this, make sure you do not drive faster than you can see ahead.
MDT states that “enemies of traction in the snow are excessive speed and sudden movements of the brake, steering or gas.” Because of this, it is recommended that vehicles proceed in slow motion, concentrating “on making smooth, precise movements.”
Drivers need to start slowly because a spinning wheel gathers no traction. On snow and ice, the best plan of attack is to point the front wheels straight in order to reduce resistance.
Skid control requires practice. MDT recommends practicing maneuvers in an open and safe area such as an abandoned parking lot before having to use that knowledge on the road.
It is important not to brake, hit the gas or jerk the wheel while skidding. To regain control, take your foot off of the gas and if driving a manual, depress the clutch.
In a rear-wheel skid, the driver should cautiously steer in the direction of the skid. Once the car stops skidding, gently push on the gas and steer the car back on course. If the car you are driving is a rear-wheel vehicle and you have overcorrected on the first skid, be prepared for fish-tailing.
MDT advises that if in a front-wheel skid, do not turn the steering wheel. The sideways skid of the front tires help to slow the vehicle down. Once the front wheels behgin to grip again, gently steer the car in the desired direction. As a last resort, use a snow bank as a brake.
For more tips on how to stay safe in winter driving conditions, check out www.mdt.mt.gov.