Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
With winter weather quickly approaching, the Kosciusko County Sheriff's Department wants to remind residents about safe driving in winter weather.
According to Kosciusko County Sheriff Aaron Rovenstine, drivers should be prepared, drive according to road conditions and stay calm if they become stranded.
Drivers should check the weather forecast and let someone know their travel route before leaving on a trip.
Gas tanks should be kept at least half full, and drivers should carry a winter driving kit that includes blankets, a flashlight, brightly colored cloth, sand or cat litter, a shovel, a non-perishable high calorie food such as a candy bar, a first aid kit and jumper cables.
When driving, people should allow extra time to get where they are going and be aware of bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slower to melt and quicker to freeze.
All windows should be cleared of ice and snow, and snow should be removed from the hood, roof and lights of all vehicles on the road.
Using low-beam headlights decreases glare from ice, and slowing down increases traction on roads. Abrupt stops and starts are dangerous, so slowing down gradually and keeping wheels turning will help keep traction on slippery roads.
Drivers who becomes stranded should tie a brightly colored cloth to the vehicle's antenna but not leave the vehicle. A window should be rolled down a small amount, and the exhaust pipe should be kept free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
The most important thing for a stranded person to remember is to stay calm. An idling car uses only about a gallon of gas per hour.
For information about Indiana road conditions, call 800-261-7623. For an emergencies, call 911.
