The Duchesne Volunteer Fire Department has a message for all drivers as winter approaches: Slow down. It’s harder to control or stop your vehicle on a slick or snow-covered surface. On the road, increase your following distance enough so that you’ll have plenty of time to stop for vehicles ahead of you. Don’t crowd a snowplow or travel beside the truck. Snowplows travel slowly, make wide turns, stop often, overlap lanes, and exit the road frequently. If you find yourself behind a snowplow, stay far enough behind it and use caution if you pass the plow. In an emergency: If you are stopped or stalled in wintry weather, stay focused on yourself and your passengers, your car, and your surroundings. Stay with your car and don’t overexert yourself. Let your car be seen. Put bright markers on the antenna or windows and keep the interior dome light on. Be mindful of carbon monoxide poisoning. Make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of any snow and run your car only sporadically — just long enough to stay warm. Don’t run your car for long periods of time with the windows up or in an enclosed space.
