Use Caution Driving During Winter Conditions

As the first signs of winter hit the area last week, Roosevelt County commissioners and DES coordinator Lindsey McNabb urge residents to take caution while driving in challenging conditions.

The National Weather Service in Glasgow said most of the area received between 3 and 4 inches of snow during a storm on Monday, Nov. 24.

Safety tips provided by the Montana Department of Transportation includes the following: Winter Driving Checklist

• Allow extra time to get to your destination.

• Clean off your car. Keep windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.

• Turn off cruise control.

• Always buckle up.

• Slow down in poor visibility conditions.

• Maintain a safe distance behind other vehicles.

• Expect ice on bridges and in shady spots.

• Don’t pass snowplows unless it’s absolutely necessary.

• Check to be sure all four tires are in good condition.

• Keep an emergency travel kit in your car.

Safety Around Snow Plows

• Don’t pass a plow when the TowPlow is deployed. The operator will periodically rotate the Tow-Plow back in line with the truck to allow vehicles to pass.

• Be aware that where there is one plow working, others may be nearby. The snow cloud created by one plow may hide additional plows in nearby lanes.

• When approaching a snowplow from the rear, reduce your speed immediately.

• When approaching an oncoming plow, don’t crowd the centerline.

• Be patient. Plow operators know where they can pull over to let vehicles pass.

Winter Safety Tips

Montana DES provide these suggestions for during a winter storm:

• Stay off roads if at all possible. If trapped in your car, then stay inside.

• Limit your time outside. If you need to go outside, then wear layers of warm clothing.

• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows. Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven.

• Stay dry because wet clothing chills the body quickly. Excess sweating will cause your body to lose more heat so remove extra layers of clothing whenever you feel too warm.

• Avoid getting gasoline or alcohol on your skin while de-icing and fueling your car or using a snow blower. Getting these materials on your skin will cause your body to lost a lot more heat.

• Do not ignore shivering – it’s an important first sign that your body is losing heat.

• Constant shivering is a sign that it is time to go inside.

• Watch for signs of frostbite and hypothermia.