WICKED WEATHER: St. George Police Department issues warning

The Independent

With the recent winter weather alert put out by the National Weather Service in Salt Lake City, the St. George Police Department issues its own warning about the impending storm and offers some driving and safety tips. The storm is supposed to start tonight (Tuesday the 30th) at 11 pm and is expected to last through Thursday, January 1st at 4 am. Southern Utah is expected to get upwards of 3 inches of snow during this time. With snow comes new driving challenges that many here in Southern Utah are not used to so here is a list of driving tips from the SGPD to help you stay safe and warm!

PRIOR TO THE SNOW:
1) Check that each of your tires has at least a 6/32-inch (4.8-millimeter) deep tread and that they are properly inflated.
2) Keep your gas tank at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
3) Check your antifreeze levels and battery power and make sure that your defroster and rear window defogger work.
4) Put some blankets, jumper cables, flashlights, kitty litter (or sand or strips of carpet) for traction if you get stuck, a snow shovel, and a scraper.
5) If you can get your errands done now before the storm hits then please do it! It’s much better to be warm and snuggled up at home rather than out struggling through the conditions.

WHEN THE SNOW HITS:
1) Clear snow and ice from all windows and lights – even the hood and roof- before driving. There’s nothing worse than snow sliding off the roof of your vehicle and onto your windshield, obstructing your view.
2) Prior to hitting the road, turn on your lights and put your seat belt on please!
3) Slow down! The posted speed limits are for dry weather conditions so to be extra safe – slow down.
4) Do not use cruise control! Roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the slightest touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
5) Double (or if you want to be really cautious — triple) your normal distance between cars, giving yourself a minimum braking distance of six seconds.
6) Remember that bridges and Highway exits have a tendency to be more icy than other areas of the roads so slow down before you get to them.
7) Don’t be overconfident in your 4X4 vehicle’s traction. Most 4X4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles and can take longer to stop.

IF YOU GET STUCK:
1) Call for help.
2) Unless you are near a business, do not try to “walk your way out.” Wait for help.
3) If you want to leave your car running make SURE your exhaust is clear of snow or your vehicle will fill with carbon dioxide which can lead to severe sickness or death.

IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT:
Call 435-627-4300!
Be safe and Happy New Year!