Be cautious, alert, prepared for winter driving
It doesn’t take a blizzard for winter weather to become dangerous.
As Butler County saw Friday, snow squalls can turn driving conditions dangerous within minutes. These brief but heavy bursts of snow create a sudden drop in visibility for drivers and have historically led to pileups along highways.
The National Weather Service describes snow squalls as creating “whiteout conditions in heavy blowing snow,” and in warnings notes their impact can be “dangerous” and “life-threatening.”
Outlets across the country reported on a March 2022 chain-reaction crash north of Harrisburg that killed six people and injured about two dozen more. The outlets that picked up the news, including the New York Times, noted that a snow squall blinded drivers in the crash, causing a pileup that included multiple tractor-trailers.
Other potentially dangerous winter weather includes black ice. A light rain may not seem daunting to drivers, but amid temperatures that dip below freezing, that rain can create a thin, nearly invisible layer of ice on roads.
According to the National Weather Service, fog also can cause slick road conditions. The water droplets in fog can freeze when contacting a surface, such as a road, that is below freezing temperature.
We urge Butler County drivers to be aware before they hit the road and to take actions that protect themselves, their passengers and those around them.
Advice from the National Weather Service includes reminders that drivers pay attention to the weather forecast, check road conditions before heading out, keep the gas tank more than half full, and keep a winter supply kit in the vehicle.
When possible, don’t drive in dangerous conditions, but for those who must drive in poor conditions, the service says to avoid sharp turns and braking quickly while maintaining space from surrounding vehicles.
If drivers wind up in a crash, the National Weather Service suggests attempting to pull the vehicle off the road and calling 911.
In short, be careful. It’s the time of year when weather can change on a dime. Before you set out, know what your driving into and make sure you’ve done what you can to stay safe.
— TL
