ROCKINGHAM — The rain, sleet, and snow swirling through southern Vermont on Dec. 16 and 17 got local roads just slippery enough to be implicated in numerous vehicle crashes.
No serious injuries were reported, but the Vermont State Police say that most of these mishaps were preventable.
According to Capt. Ray Keefe, Troop D commander, most of the incidents were directly linked to three things: driving at a speed too fast for the existing conditions, operating with tires not suitable for winter conditions, and failure to exercise common sense in hazardous conditions.
Keefe said troopers are being encouraged to issue traffic tickets at these mishaps to those operators who are driving at speeds too fast for the existing conditions.
He cited a state statute, which holds, “No person shall drive a vehicle on a highway at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions, having regard for the actual and potential hazards then existing.”
He said the fine for such a ticket is $214.
Keefe also said that vehicles sliding off roads during storms, as with accidents involving collisions, present hazards for public safety, as they often lead to further hazards, injuries to the operator and/or passengers, and drain state and local resources.
According to state police, motorists should take these precautions in wintry weather:
• Eliminate distractions. Make a conscious effort to remain fully focused on driving safely. Do not use a cell phone to talk or text while driving.
• Be aware of winter conditions (snow, ice, sleet, wind) that may make your trip more hazardous. Allow enough time to reach your destination without rushing, knowing conditions may require you to drive more slowly to get there.
• Speeding increases the severity of crashes. Obey speed limits and use common sense when driving in adverse weather conditions. Slow down.
• Make sure your vehicle is in safe working order, with fully functional tires, brakes, windshield wipers, signaling devices, and all other recommended safety maintenance. Clear the windshield and other windows of ice and snow so you, and other motorists, can see through them.
• For updated road conditions, call 5-1-1 or visit bit.ly/ME4FxV before you get on the road.