Messy roads and bad conditions are no match for Mainers, especially those who lived through the great ice storm of 1998. However, I always find it useful to review some tips and tricks for staying safe while navigating the most bitter winter months here in the Northeast.
Each year, our family stocks a few winter safety staples in our vehicles. A basic winter supply kit can make all the difference if you find yourself stranded on the side of the road waiting for assistance. In mine, you’ll find a snow brush, ice scraper, a small bag of sand, a hand shovel, a blanket, some extra winter clothes, boots and some non-perishable snacks (usually granola).
We also keep an eye on our fuel tank, making sure it stays close to full in case we need it to maintain a heat source if we do get stranded.
Investing in good snow tires, or at least checking your regular tires to make sure they have ample tread, is an important part of any smart winter driver’s safety checklist. It’s also a good idea to make sure your rear window defroster and windshield wipers work and that all snow and ice is cleared from your vehicle before hitting the road. This is not only important for your own safety, but also for the safety of other drivers.
It’s easy to operate on autopilot while driving around town or along a familiar route, but during the winter months it’s critical to stay alert and remember that the terrain has changed.
Snowbanks make the roads more narrow and can sometimes obstruct visibility. As such, accelerating, braking and turning more slowly, particularly when conditions are icy and road crews haven’t salted or sanded yet, can be life-saving precautions.
It’s important to remember to leave a little extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you to allow for greater slide time and to reduce the need to break suddenly. It’s also smart to give snow plows ample room as they clear our roads, not only to be courteous but also to help ensure everyone stays safe.
Speed limits may be reduced during particularly dangerous conditions. The blinking reduced speed signs can be a good indicator of the conditions, helping us stay on the lookout for black ice or slushy roadways.
Doing our part to stay safe on the road as we confront more extreme winter weather is essential. As your state legislator, I also take seriously the responsibility of helping our communities plan and prepare for all types of challenges, including the inevitable transportation challenges that arise in the winter.
Last session, my colleagues and I demonstrated our commitment to continuing to improve our roads and transportation infrastructure by approving and funding initiatives that provided nearly $106 million to the MDOT. Additionally, more than 70% of voters approved a transportation bond that resulted in a $100 million state match for federal funds to support MaineDOT’s efforts.
While the Town of Gorham is responsible for maintaining its own roads, MDOT also plays a significant role in our winter road safety.
MDOT operates roughly 400 snowplows and employs around 1,000 commercially licensed snowplow drivers to help clear the 60-110 inches of snow we get in Maine, on average. The support we get from MDOT lessens the burden on Gorham and helps ensure we all make it through winter safely, regardless of what icy winter storms we face in the coming months.
Rep. Maureen “Mo” Terry, D-Gorham, is serving her third term in the Maine House of Representatives. She serves as House Chair of the Taxation Committee. She is a chef and small business owner. Contact her at maureen.terry@legislature.maine.gov.