The Morristown police have issued the following safety tips for the impending snowstorm. And as we mentioned earlier this morning, the Morristown Parking Authority is offering residents free parking through Tuesday morning at its parking garages, so snow plows can clean streets without burying cars in snow banks.
On a personal note, I just drove back from New England. As visibility diminished and the flurries began to stick on a two-lane highway, I tried to follow the usual prescriptions about keeping a few car lengths’ distance from the next car. But there is always some joker in a four-wheel-drive SUV that cannot abide that sliver of daylight going unfilled. And so he/she will tailgate you, and hit you with the high beams, until they can roar by and tailgate the next car, and so on, until the inevitable spinout occurs..
And so the best advice of all from the police, if you can possibly swing it, is the recommendation to AVOID DRIVING. Because Mother Nature is only half of the equation.
FROM THE MORRISTOWN POLICE:
BLIZZARD or other HEAVY SNOW events
A Blizzard includes winds of 35 mph or more and blowing snow that reduces visibility to less than 1/4 mile for three hours or more. Heavy snow can immobilize a region and strand commuters, close airports, stop the flow of supplies and disrupt emergency and medical services.
Accumulations of snow can cause the collapse of roofs, trees and power lines. Stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards, your local radio and TV stations or The Weather Channel for updates, watches, warnings or emergency instructions. Avoid overexertion such as shoveling heavy snow, pushing a car or walking in deep snow. Cold weather puts an additional strain on the heart and can cause a heart attack. Sweating could lead to a chill and hypothermia.
Winter Weather Preparedness: Safety on the Road
If at all possible, AVOID DRIVING during a winter storm. Blowing snow, icy slick spots and fewer daylight hours all create hazards. If you must drive, use this information for a safe trip.
ALWAYS buckle your seat belt!
BRAKE PROPERLY to avoid skidding. If driving on snow or ice, start slowly and brake gently. Begin braking early when you come to an intersection.
IF YOU START TO SLIDE : ease off the gas pedal or brakes. Steer into the direction of the skid until you regain traction, then straighten your vehicle. If you have antilock brakes, apply steady pressure.
Visibility and speed:
In fog, drive with headlights set on dim or use fog lights. In rain, fog, snow or sleet, stay within the limits of your vision. If it is too difficult to see, pull off the road and stop.
Drive slowly and increase your following distance. Your speed should adjust for conditions and match the flow of traffic. Watch for slick spots. Be physically and mentally prepared to react.
Other vehicles :
NEVER TRY TO PASS A VEHICLE IN BLOWING SNOW as there may be vehicles ahead you cannot see.
Be alert for snowplows. When a plow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room for it to pass. Its blade may cross the centerline. Allow extra distance between your vehicle and service vehicles as they may be spreading salt. Be alert when you approach a cloud of snow that obscures the road, especially on passing lanes of interstates or freeways. A snow plow may be ahead clearing the lane or preparing to turn around.
Be careful after any minor accident. If you are bumped from behind and do not feel comfortable exiting your vehicle, motion to the other driver and drive to the nearest safe place to stop, such as a 24-hour store.
Be prepared to turn back and seek shelter if conditions become threatening
Information contained in this message was obtained by the New Jersey Office of Emergency Management. Additional information on preparing for winter weather hazards can be obtained at the following link https://www.ready.nj.gov/plan/winter.html
