ClarksvilleNow.com Reporting
news@clarksvillenow.com
MADISONVILLE, KY – In preparation for the coming wintery weather, Kentucky State Police have issued some driving tips, and are asking motorists to be aware and monitor current weather conditions before travel.
Here are a few simple steps to help keep you on the road:
• Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in your area.
• If you do have to travel, call 511 for current road conditions.
• Slow down.
• Always wear your seatbelt.
Driving Considerations:
• Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
• Increase distance between vehicles – it takes significantly longer to stop on snow covered or icy roadways.
• Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow.
• Use caution on bridges and overpasses they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
• Avoid using cruise control – cruise control can cause the vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased. Same goes with diesel vehicles equipped with an engine exhaust brake.
Be Prepared:
• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
• Charge your cellular phone prior to departure and keep a charger in your vehicle.
• Take a blanket.
• Notify a family member or a friend of your travel plans prior to departure – if your travel is interrupted, someone will know.
Collision Information:
• Be patient – bad weather also limits the capabilities of law enforcement officers and emergency crews and increases response time. Also, keep in mind that they will be experiencing a high volume of requests for service.
• Attempt to move your vehicle out of the roadway if you are involved in a minor, non-injury traffic collision; especially if you are in a dangerous area such as a curve or a blind hill.
• If your vehicle is stranded or wrecked but not in the roadway, attempts to recover your vehicle will have to wait until conditions improve for safety considerations.
Emergency Numbers:
If you see or suspect that someone is stranded, call 911 or contact:
Kentucky State Police, toll-free, in Kentucky, at 1-800-222-5555
Clarksville Police Department at (931) 648-0656
Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at (931) 648-0611
Tennessee Highway Patrol at *THP (*847), (615) 862-8600 (Nashville area) or (615) 325-7373