Driving Tips for Inclement Weather

With the onset of winter and the possibility that motorists may have to drive in inclement weather, the Dalton Police Department is offering motorists some safe driving tips. Statistics show that more crashes occur during winter months.

When taking to the road during winter months, remember to drive with caution to help maintain your safety as well as motorists and pedestrians around you. Dalton Police Department recommends the following tips for winter driving:

· Remove all snow and ice from your entire vehicle prior to starting out, checking lights and mirrors as well.

· Drive with your headlights on low beam to make yourself more visible to other motorists.

· When roads are wet or icy, slow your speed down.

· Leave earlier, allotting extra time to reach your destination, or even better, delay your travel all together if possible.

· If you encounter snow removal equipment, allow plenty of room for it to operate.

· Remember, bridges and overpasses freeze quickly and before any other surfaces.

· If your tires lose traction, look and steer into the direction you want to go.

· Look farther ahead in traffic to allow for more reaction time. Actions by drivers ahead of you will alert you of problems you are about to encounter.

· When braking, apply steady firm pressure, don't apply the brakes quickly or accelerate suddenly.

· Remember, four wheel drive vehicles give you extra traction to get going, BUT do not aid you in stopping any quicker.

The Dalton Police Department would also like to remind all motorists to obey all posted speed limits and to buckle up to prevent serious injury accidents.