State Police Offer Safe Driving Tips for Slippery Commute

The Massachusetts State Police offer some advice for commuters navigating today's snowy roads.

Once again Massachusetts is gearing up for another snow storm. While this coming storm is not expected to bring heavy accumulation the timing is less than ideal as its expected to make its way across the Commonwealth during peak afternoon travel times. This can cause major delays in traffic, accidents and other headaches making the daily commute stressful. We remind the motoring public to take steps to prepare for the inclement weather and offer the following driving tips to help you in navigating the commute:

• Don’t panic, it's New England and we’ve been here before and remember to be patient with those operators with less skill driving in these expected conditions.
• Plan on budgeting extra time for your commute.
• Slow down. Snow and freezing rain can create icy road conditions.
• Leave plenty of distance between your vehicle and the vehicles around you.
• Please, don’t be lulled into a false sense of security, your four-wheel drive vehicle does not ensure you have better stopping or steering capabilities.
• Give the plows and sanders a wide berth as they are working to keep road conditions manageable.
• Texting while driving is still unlawful and the use of only one earpiece for your cellphone is permitted. Your attention to driving is essential for your safety and to those around you.
• Be sure to take the time to clear accumulated snow off of your vehicle:
  • Heavy chunks of snow coming off of buses and trucks can cause heavy damage to other vehicles.
  • Clearing off just enough snow to barely see out of a small cleared spot in your windshield doesn’t count.
• Road rage will not get to your destination any faster, don’t engage other operators in aggressive driving. Please note your location and call 911 if you observe such behavior.

Remember the advice from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Don't panic and make sure you have your towel.