Every year in Lake Placid there are injury crashes in which adverse weather conditions are a contributing factor. However bad weather seldom causes crashes. Crashes generally occur because people haven’t adjusted their driving to take weather conditions into account. Extra care and attention is vital during winter months when driving!

Be prepared!

• Check road conditions
• Have your vehicle checked out. Many garages offer safety checks.
• Make sure your heater, fans, wipers, defrosters are all working.
• Make sure indicators and all lights are working if you have them.
• Antifreeze is essential for your car’s engine during winter.
• Check your tire tread and air pressure. Pressure can change during temperature changes.
• Store extra blankets, matches and road flares in case of extreme conditions or problems.
• Dress for extreme cold weather (keeping in mind the possible wind chill).  

Wet weather driving

• Wet roads can be very slippery, so always remember that stopping distances are almost doubled.
• Slow down and keep a generous following distance between you and the car in front.
• The two-second rule should become at least four seconds.
• After driving through surface water, pump the brakes several times to dry them out, regardless of what sort of brake system you have.

Snow and ice

• Whenever possible, avoid driving in heavy snow, but if you do keep it SLOW.
• Avoid breaking suddenly. Give the break pedal a few soft taps rather than one hard push to avoid sending your vehicle into a skid.
• Remember to always carry chains, and use them whenever necessary.
• Climbing and descending hills in snow requires meticulous care – climb hills in the highest possible gear. By lowering your engine’s revs you will minimise the chances of traction and spinning your wheels.
• Descend hills very slowly, putting your vehicle in a low gear before starting the descent.
• Watch for vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists.
• Watch for shaded areas where ice may remain all day.
• Remember, recreational 4WDs are prohibited in Lake Placid.
• If you decide to walk instead, put a pair of old socks over your shoes to increase grip.

Fogged in

• Adjust your speed to the visibility levels.
• Keep your headlights on low beam, as high beams will reflect off fog and produce glare.
• Front fog lights may be used. These have a wide, low beam and produce a yellow or white light.

Low winter sun

• In winter, low sun is more likely to occur. Be prepared for this when driving at sunrise or sunset, especially when turning or driving towards the sun.
• Keep your windshield clean, inside and out. Dust and grime on the windshield can make the effects of low sun much worse.
• Wear sunglasses and use your car’s sun visors.

Night driving

• During the winter months it gets darker earlier, and it is important to put your lights on as soon as it starts to get dark.
• You are required to have your lights on 30 minutes after sunset and 30 minutes before sunrise, or at any other time when you cannot see an object or person.
• Driving in the dark can be hazardous, because it’s more difficult to judge distances.
• Drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions as there is a decreased chance of seeing hazards in the evening.
• Watch for pedestrians and cyclists as they are more difficult to see at night.
• Be aware of blinding other drivers with your headlights on full – switch them to low when a vehicle is coming from the other direction.

LPPD requests that if your in doubt of driving, DON'T DRIVE!

SNOWPLOWING 

• Motorists should slow and observe operating snowplows that are in operation.
• All snowplows should have at least 1 amber caution light visible from all approaching traffic under normal atmospheric conditions. Red or clear lights are PROHIBITED from flashing as a caution light unless they are on an authorized emergency vehicle in emergency operation.
• Reminder that it is illegal to plow private snow onto or across the road surface.  Illegal plowing causes safety hazards as well as additional costs. Citations and fines may be issued for this violation!