SAFE WINTER DRIVING TIPS

Regardless of what weather pattern is predicted from year to year we usually get at least some ice and snow; so we are offering some safe driving tips for when you have to travel.

• Clear snow and ice from all vehicle windows and lights, even the hood and roof, before driving. On ice and snow, take it slow. Use your headlights.
• Don’t use your cruise control in wintry conditions. The short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
• Do not pump anti-lock brakes when attempting to stop. The right way is to “stomp and steer!”
• Leave extra room between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. And remember, the larger the vehicle, the longer the stopping distance.
• Watch for slippery bridge decks as they ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement and take longer to melt.
• Snowplows: stay behind it until it is safe to pass. Remember that a snowplow driver has a limited field of vision. Stay back (15 car lengths) until you’re sure it is safe to pass or until the plow pulls off the road.
• Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle.  Your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster. Many 4×4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and actually may take longer to stop.  Don’t get overconfident in your 4×4 vehicle’s traction. Your 4×4 can lose traction as quickly as a two-wheel drive vehicle.
• For the latest road and weather conditions you can log on to http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/ or call 511 for real time traffic and weather information.

Below is our Snow Removal Map for 2011/2012. Just click on the map to enlarge it.  Note: Although we will do our best to follow the priorities indicated on the map, priorities may change depending on the type of storm events and other conditions.

Have a happy, safe winter!