We got our first dose of winter weather last week and drivers need to get their slick-driving muscles back in order.
Travel was noticably slower with the snow but we haven't seen the worse that Ol' Man Winter can dish out. A few inches of snow is one thing but wait until the heavy stuff hits along with sleet or freezing rain, now that will be a true test of Midwest driving skills.
Transportation officials have released the requisite warnings about the dangers of winter driving and while it may seem a bit paternal, one would be wise to listen up.
The Illinois Department of Transportation, the Illinois State Police and the Illinois Tollway have started their "Ice and Snow-Take it Slow" campaign, reminding motorists to reduce speed, bluckle-up safety belts and ditch the distracted driving during bad weather (not bad advice during more pleasant conditions, too).
Here are some other safety tips:
Other safety tips include:
• Don't crowd the plow - a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
• Watch out for black ice roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas - all are prone to black ice.
• Always keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.
• Do not travel unless absolutely necessary - if you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route.
• Always carry an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and dial *999 for roadway assistance.
• Always wear a safety belt.
• Motorists are urged to check travel conditions before any trip. You can get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368), Illinois Tollway information by calling 1-800-TOLL-FYI or online at www.gettingaroundillinois.com and click on the "winter road conditions" icon.
The Getting Around Illinois website was recently redesigned and relaunched and officials say it makes it easier to get updates on travel information.
Just remember not to access it while behind the wheel and moving.
*This entry was a great read!
AT&T launches campaign against texting and driving..AT&T has launched an 11-minute video designed to augment its anti-texting-and-driving campaign launched in March. The video is intended to reach consumers before New Year's Eve.Called "The Last Text," the video tells stories about people whose lives were adversely affected by texting while driving, including the parents of Mariah West, who died after texting "Where u at?" to a friend.AT&T is distributing the film to schools, safety organizations and government agencies and on its YouTube channel.
Every winter I am reminded as a pet sitter of why I personally own cats! LOL It is nothing for me to be on the road traveling from home to home in a blizzard or ice storm. The pets cant take care of themselves so I have to go!
I always keep a spare set of snow boots, a scarf gloves & blankets in my car.
I do have a blackberry so my clients can reach me & I found a great app called Drivesafe.ly - it will put my phone to speaker or blue tooth & when I get a text or email it will read it to me. It will auto respond tot he person who sent it to me & tell them I am currently driving & will reply to them when I am available. I then respond once I have arrived at my destination
Shannon Cole - Shannon's Pet-Sitting
Compassionate, Professional, Better Business Bureau Accredited Pet Care.
Serving Suburban Lake, Cook & Kane Counties
WEBSITE: http://www.shannonspetsitting.net
BLOG: http://shannonspet-sittingtwilightbark.blogspot.com/
EMAIL: shannonspetsitting@hotmail.com