Massachusetts State Police: Safe Driving Practices in the Storm

With a storm expected to bring rain, sleet, and snow to New England today, especially impacting the holiday commute, the Massachusetts State Police are reminding motorists to drive slowly and take additional precautions.

Be mindful that wet, icy and snow-covered roads require increased stopping time. Motorists are advised to drive at speeds appropriate to the weather conditions, significantly slower than they would drive on dry roads, and to keep greater distance than normal between their cars and the cars in front of them. The rule of thumb for dry weather – one car length for every 10 miles per hour of speed — should be increased in inclement weather.

Motorists should leave extra time to get to their destination, especially during tomorrow morning’s commute.

In heavy rains, water tends to pool in the left lanes of highways. Motorists are reminded that:

1.) the left lane of multi-lane highways is a passing lane, not a high-speed travel lane, and thus sustained travel in the left lane is prohibited; and

2.) pooled water in the left lane can be a hazard to vehicles driving at high speeds.
Motorists should not attempt to drive through flooded sections of road. Standing water can be deeper than it appears, and cars can easily become stranded.

Drivers are reminded that they have to adequately clear snow from their windshields and windows; hood, roof, and trunk; and lights and license plates. Failure to do so puts drivers and other motorists at risk and is considered impeded operation.

Proceed with extreme caution through intersections where snow banks limit visibility. Please remember that snow banks may hide pedestrians and oncoming vehicles from sight, and force pedestrians to walk along the edge of the road.

Motorists are reminded to wear seatbelts, and to avoid distractions such as playing with the radio, using electronic devices, or wearing headphones.

Motorists should carry a charged cell phone at all times. Anyone who gets in trouble on the roads is reminded to call 911 on a cell phone to immediately be connected to a State Police Communications Section.

The Massachusetts State Police appreciate the motoring public’s adherence to safe driving practices.