Sheriff Lindsey warns drivers ahead of dangerous weather

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey has seen a lot of bad accidents in her multi-decade law enforcement career, but she’s really hoping that the wild weather forecasted for this weekend doesn’t add to that list. 

Thanks to drier-than-normal weather conditions to this point, Shoshone County was able to navigate the holiday season without any tragic accidents on the local roads and highways – Lindsey is hoping to keep that up and has a few tips for those who do have to travel in the hazardous conditions. 

“I think the biggest thing to remember when experiencing winter driving conditions is to take your time,” She told the News-Press. “Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. Maybe leave earlier, or if all else fails, give yourself permission to be a little late. I would rather get a lecture from my supervisor for being a little late versus being involved in a 10-car pile-up. My suggestion is to put on some music that puts you in a good mood and safely/slowly make your way wherever you're going.” 

Being prepared is vital. With information readily available at your fingertips, make sure to monitor the weather and road conditions, as well as any traffic updates.

Not only should drivers be ready for the weather, but vehicles should be as well. 

“An issue we run into quite frequently and is the cause of multiple crashes is a lack of snow tires on a vehicle,” Lindsey said. “Snow tires give you much more traction on icy/snowy roads, and without them, you're really putting yourself and others at risk. If you do find yourself involved in a crash, many of us have the instinct to get out of the vehicle as quickly as possible; however, in most cases, it's safer to stay in your vehicle with your seatbelt on and wait for emergency services.” 

These accidents rarely happen in locations that offer any sort of convenience to the other people on the road – being prepared for a delay can be the difference between a frustrating wait in your vehicle or a potentially devastating one. 

Keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include: flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit with a pocket knife, at least one blanket, an extra set of mittens, socks, and a wool cap, a small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under the wheels, a small shovel, bottled water, booster cables, and easy-to-open, nonperishable food items.

It’s also important to make sure that your vehicle is properly fueled up before embarking on any trips of significant distance – running the vehicle’s heating system will burn an exceptional amount of fuel, especially as temperatures drop. 

“If you ask anyone, they would probably say they were an excellent driver,” Lindsey said. “And those ‘excellent’ drivers typically operate their vehicles at their full driving ability and do not leave much of a percentage for failure. This becomes a problem when the driver suddenly finds themselves in a pickle and is unable to drive their way out of it. You should always leave some room in your driving ability to be able to react with a margin of error.” 

The Idaho Transportation Department also has additional tips that should help travelers navigate the potential dangers of traveling through possible hazardous weather while coexisting with the road crews who are working to keep the roads clear. 

– Remain two car lengths behind snow plow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.

– Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow’s force can knock your car out of control.

– Do not cut back immediately in front of a snow plow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.

– Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. A heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as an automobile.

– Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots, bridges, and overpasses. Since they are exposed on their undersides, bridges, and overpasses are deprived of ground warmth and freeze more rapidly than the roadways leading to them.

– Before you begin your trip, make sure your car’s windows, mirrors, and lights are clear of snow. Keep your windshield washers filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.

The Idaho 511 travel information App is available for all smartphone users.

The 511 app has constant updates on things like road conditions, speed changes, construction reports, accident reports, and mountain passes, as well as providing drivers with live cameras to see what the actual roads look like.

For more information on winter driving safety or to view the online 511 Travel Information visit itd.idaho.gov under the Travel tab. 

Temperatures are expected to remain below freezing through next Wednesday, with subzero temps expected into Monday.