As students leave Moscow for the holidays, reaching their destination can prove to be difficult during cold weather conditions. With fall break coming up, Moscow Police Lt. David Lehmitz said students driving home to celebrate Thanksgiving should take precautions for a safer journey.
Lehmitz said some drivers make the common mistake of not allowing enough time to get from point A to point B.
“So they”re in a rush and don”t take into consideration the conditions,” Lehmitz said.
When it rains overnight, Lehmitz said drivers should especially be cautious of slick road conditions.
In Moscow, Lehmitz said to be attentive to hills, such as Perimeter Drive, Nez Perce Drive and 6th Street.
“We”ve actually had to close some of those roads until we were able to get some gravel down because they were too icy,” Lehmitz said.
Lehmitz also said bridges freeze quickly and students should be careful when driving over them. He said there is a bridge on Blaine and White Street where drivers often slide because of icy conditions.
Students should also be sure to check weather conditions before traveling, Lehmitz said.
Dave Lehmitz
“Now there”s cameras on almost every pass,” Lehmitz said. “You can find out what the road conditions are just by clicking on the cameras from Idaho Department of Transportation or Washington Department of Transportation.”
Lehmitz said students should try to plan their departure time after snowplows get a chance to clear the roads.
He said having the correct tires for a car is also helpful when driving in the snow.
Though poor weather conditions are usually the cause of holiday driving distress, Lehmitz said students should be prepared for the possibility of car troubles.
Having blankets and food – such as protein bars – in the car can be helpful during an emergency situation, Lehmitz said. Maintaining a full gas tank will also allow the driver to use their car heater for a longer period of time if they find themselves stranded on the side of the road.
“Don”t think you can make it from here to Boise on one tank of gas,” Lehmitz said. “Keep your fuel level high just in case you happen to slide off the road and nobody can get you at least you have heat.”
After the first heavy snowstorm of the year, Lehmitz said there is usually a rise in car accidents.
“We had a crash just Thursday morning right after Veterans Day by the Kibbie Dome,” Lehmitz said. “The person was going too fast around a corner and his car spun out of control and took out a pole.”
Lehmitz said after the first couple of snowstorms, there are usually about eight to a dozen accidents in Moscow.
Lehmitz said if there is an accident involving an injury, students should definitely call 911.
“Even if your car breaks down and you”re not familiar with the area, it”s OK to call 911,” Lehmitz said.
When receiving help from a 911 operator, Lehmitz said drivers should keep track of their whereabouts.
“Know your surroundings and check mile markers,” Lehmitz said. “A big thing is to know your location so we can get help to you.”
Jessica Gee can be reached [email protected] or on Twitter @jaycgeek