State police give tips for winter driving

After its Indianapolis post reported 80 collisions and road slide-offs during the heavy snowfall, sleet and freezing rain in mid-December, the Indiana State Police is suggesting that drivers exhibit more caution when driving this winter. \n“Over my 28 years of law enforcement, I see that people forget over the summer months how to drive (in winter conditions),” said Indiana State Police First Sgt. Dave Bursten. “Usually after the first one or two snows, people remember how to drive in it again and the problems are reduced.” \nHe said his biggest recommendation to winter drivers is to “leave sooner and drive slower.” \nBursten said that if a normal commute is 10 minutes in regular driving conditions, the drive could be two to three times longer in harsher conditions.\nWhen traveling in a congested city atmosphere like Bloomington, Bursten said, people should reduce their speed and allow extra space between their vehicle and the one in front of them.\nSgt. Don Schmuhl of the IU Police Department said the increase in accidents during the winter months fluctuates based on the day of the week and the weather conditions.\nThe combination of increased traffic due to classes starting and the accumulation of ice and snow on the roads can lead to more collisions, Schmuhl said. Drivers should exert more caution when driving in Bloomington Monday through Friday, he said. \nHe also said that on nights when there are basketball games, the IU police make sure there are extra sand trucks circulating to diminish the dangerous conditions.\nOther safety tips include checking the forecast before traveling, clearing all snow and ice off of the vehicle before driving, keeping the gas tank at least half full and demonstrating extra caution when driving on bridges, underpasses and in shaded areas, said Indiana State Police Sgt. Curt J. Durnil in a news release. He also recommended that drivers avoid stopping and turning abruptly and to use low beam headlights in order to decrease the glare off of ice.\nDurnil suggested drivers keep a winter driving kit in their car. The kit should include a flashlight, blankets, non-perishable food, first aid kit and jumper cables.\nFor updated road conditions between Dec. 1 and April 1, call 317-232-8298 or 800-261-7623 or visit www.in.gov/isp.