With the first snowfall of the year and cold temperatures moving in, the Crookston Police Department is taking time this upcoming holiday and winter season to remind travelers to drive safely and adjust to the changing weather conditions.
Crookston Police Department Chief Paul Biermaier says the cold alone can make a big difference to a vehicle, and there are a few things people should be aware of. “The cold, snow, and ice can really affect some of the metal and rubber on your vehicle,” said Biermaier. “Just the cold alone can affect your battery by about 50%. When it is cold, a big thing to do to make sure your vehicle is reliable and stays running properly is to let it warm up. Allow the oil, lubricants, and transmissions fluid as well to warm up so the vehicle can run properly.”
Biermaier also noted that it will take some time to adapt to the new weather and road conditions. He recommends getting a feel for the road and testing your tires and how slick the roadway is every time you start driving in the winter. “When you start driving daily after a snowfall, get a feel for the road,” said Biermaier. “Accelerate slowly, see how your vehicle is responding to the road, and before you get to that stop sign, brake gently.”
One stretch of roadways in the Crookston area that can be especially dangerous to travel on is the County Roads due to the open fields and high winds. Biermaier said you aren’t always able to see what patches of the road are slick, and it’s essential to be focused at all times. “Another thing that happens up here and can be unique is the high wind gusts,” said Biermaier. “With that, our roads out in the country can be iced over because the wind blows the snow over the salted roadway, and it will create a slick area. Don’t use cruise control on those roads; if you do hit a slippery spot, don’t break but instead take the foot off the gas, and if you find yourself starting to slide one direction, steer into it so you can maintain your direction and be prepared to counter back the other direction as soon as you hit the dry pavement to get yourself back on track.”
Speeding is against the law and has been proven only to save a small amount of time during a trip. Biermaier ran through a few statistics and said it’s important for people to be cautious and leave earlier from home than speed on icy roadways. “A thirty-mile trip going 55 mph takes approximately thirty-two minutes,” said Biermaier. “If you go 65 mph, you only save four minutes during that trip; that is not worth the risk in the wintertime with these conditions and how quickly you could hit a patch of ice. Plan your trip before you leave, and if the weather isn’t looking good, tell someone where you’re going.”
The Crookston Police Department is also asking that drivers be aware of how fast they’re driving down the road, keep their eyes on the road at all times, and only travel when necessary, in harsh conditions.
