CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – As winter quickly approaches, the Champaign County Sheriff’s Office emphasizes safety with their top tips to ensure safe travel on the roadways.
“The first freezing precipitation of the season always seems to catch motorists by surprise. Our goal at the Sheriff’s Office is to educate motorists to help them drive safely during winter weather,” said Sheriff Dustin Heuerman.
Here are some tips from the Sheriff’s Office:
- Drive with headlights and taillights on when actively snowing or raining – it helps other motorists see you
- Less traveled roadways are usually slicker than more traveled roadways. Bridges and overpasses usually freeze more quickly than other parts of the road.
- Take a few extra minutes to get where you are going – don’t try to go the same speed you might when dry conditions exist.
- Don’t slam on your brakes – paying attention and breaking slower will help prevent your vehicle from sliding. Focus on your driving and put the phone down – this will help you notice anything unexpected ahead of you more quickly.
The Sheriff’s Office aims to educate drivers to prevent accidents and sliding off the road. It’s very important for drivers to take precautions to prevent risk. Response times may also be delayed due to the hazardous weather. The Sheriff’s Office may also issue traffic citations for “driving too fast for conditions” if drivers do not exercise caution under the dangerous weather.
For more information, contact Sheriff Dustin Heuerman at 217-384-1205 or through email at sheriff@champaigncountyil.gov.