Despite assaults of freezing rain, sleet, snow and even icy fog this month, Illinois state troopers are still unpleasantly surprised by motorists and their passengers not ready for winter driving.
“One of the biggest problems is people have dressed for their destination, not the weather outside,” said ISP Master Sergeant Rory Steidl, who works at Illinois State Police District 10 Headquarters in Posotum. “Last Sunday (Dec. 16) there was one lady whose car went into the ditch. She was wearing tennis shoes without socks. She had to go through snowdrifts so her feet were very cold when she got assistance.”
Even though snow and ice have mostly disappeared from Central Illinois this week, there are still plenty of roadway hazards that could ruin a Christmas road trip. Steidl said motorists should concentrate on packing more than just the presents and holiday dessert in the truck or cargo area before driving for Christmas destinations.
“They should pack warm boots, a pair of insulated coveralls, winter gloves and a full-face stocking cap. That way they can be warmer and safer if they end up stranded. It doesn’t take long to get cold or even face frostbite with the wind out there we’ve had.”
Another precaution worth considering involves communication with relatives and friends where you plan to spend your holiday.
“You need to let others know of your trip and when you leave or get delayed or stranded. If you have a timeline or route then stick to it. We get calls from relatives telling us people are 12 or 24 hours late. We get other calls almost everyday from people looking for spouses or friends. We can perform computer checks and review our radio calls. But using your cell phone can eliminate some unnecessary worries for families,” Steidl said.
And it is a good idea to have the cell phone charged up for regular use during the trip.
The travel volume will not be that heavy along the roadways, especially the interstates, on Christmas Day, he said. So that is why it is even more important to be prepared for surprises on the roadway at night.
“People forget that on any winter evening you are likely to encounter frost-covered overpasses or bridge decks. That is a big hazard during the holidays,” Steidl said.
So rushing at full throttle to that Christmas gathering can lead to tragedy if you are driving after dark or early in the morning. Allow for some slow-down time along the way.
If motorists encounter other vehicles in the ditch or along the shoulder they should use the cell phone more than their mechanical know-how or tool kit.
“We recommend motorists don’t stop to help stranded motorists, but we do want them to call us know about them. We might get repeat calls, but we would rather have 15 or 20 on one vehicle than everyone driving by thinking someone has already called.”
And if you leave a nasty set of tread marks in a ditch or by a gully but still get back on the road then call Illinois State Police and let them know you are back on the road safely. Illinois State Police District 10 in Posotum can be reached by calling 217-265-0050. Or call 911 if you are facing an emergency.
It might free up emergency responders for helping another driver facing worse luck at Christmas.
“State Police want to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, but please drive safety and buckle up,” Steidl said.
There are no comments for this entry.
[Add Comment]