Winter Driving

Date and Time of Release: 7 December 2016

Subject: Tips for Winter Driving
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With the first winter storm upon us, the Sonora Police Department would like to pass on some winter driving tips.

• Make sure your vehicles brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, tires and exhaust system are in good working condition.

• Always carry chains that are the proper size for your tires and are in good working order. Also, makes sure you know how to install the chains on your vehicle. This will require you to know if your vehicle is front wheel, rear wheel or all wheel drive.

• Pack water, food, warm blankets and extra clothing, as sometimes emergency road closures make for lengthy traffic delays which could last several hours.

• Carry a cell phone with the appropriate numbers pre-programmed in it.

• Exercise caution when driving in winter conditions and adjust your speed accordingly. A speed of 45 miles per hour may be safe in dry weather, but it’s not safe in snowy or icy conditions.

Of course, if you don’t have to be out in the snowy weather, we recommend you stay home where it is safe.

A problem the Sonora Police Department has experienced during the last few years is that people have been abandoning their vehicles in the middle of major roadways, which creates a hazard for other motorists and snow removing equipment. If your vehicle is found abandoned and is determined to be a traffic hazard, it will be towed.