Home Oakley Oakley Police Chief Offers Winter Driving Advice

Oakley Police Chief Offers Winter Driving Advice

by ECT

We have been blessed with the return of local winter rain and snow in the mountains. In Northern California, the folks that track such things, have officially declared the drought over! These wet conditions, though welcome, create hazards for all of us as we drive.

 

Simply put, when the roads are wet, your tires do not grip the road surface as well. Your vehicle will not hold a turn or stop as efficiently on wet roads as it will on dry pavement. During periods of heavy rain, or when there is standing water on the roadway, a condition known as hydroplaning can occur. When this happens, the tires on your car are “floating” on top of the water, thus you can’t control the car.

 

Those that travel to the mountains have seen the snow. We are coming close to record accumulations in the Sierra Nevada. Every weekend, I note the SUV’s loaded with skis and boards headed for the hills. I’ve had several conversations with friends about driving in the mountains. They speak of their SUV as though it’s an invincible, unstoppable all-terrain vehicle.

 

Modern all-wheel drive vehicles are amazing. They allow us to drive on road surfaces that 30 years ago would have been impassable. Remember however, all-wheel drive allows you to gain traction when accelerating and powering your vehicle. It does NOTHING when you are trying to stop! Icy roads represent extremely hazardous driving conditions. It is easy to find yourself in a situation where you have little or no control of your vehicle. In the mountains, when braking, apply light steady brake pressure. Avoid slamming on the brakes or rapid acceleration. Once traction is lost, you may find yourself in trouble!

 

In both rain and snow conditions visibility is reduced. This is particularly true at night. The best response to both rain and snow is to plan your trip accordingly. If you don’t have to go to the mountains in the middle of a blizzard, don’t. If you don’t have to go to the grocery store in a down pour, don’t! In all cases if you can travel during the day, it’s generally better.

 

If you must travel during inclement weather there are a few tips. The best advice is to slow down! The faster you go, the faster bad things can happen. Gaining an extra five miles per hour may get you to your destination 15 minutes earlier. Being involved in a crash will likely ruin your trip.

 

Remember, the vehicle code now requires that your headlights be on when your windshield wipers are on. This helps other vehicles see you in these times of poor visibility. The Oakley Police Department continues to work with our residents to make our streets safer for all. Please partner with us, slow down, arrive alive!

 

Chief Thorsen

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