News Flash

ELMIRA - With the upcoming predicted major winter storm event, the Chemung County Executive and Department of Public Works are issuing a Winter Snow and Ice Advisory to residents.  Highest confidence for heavy snow is across the western half of the National Weather Service forecast area, including Chemung County.  A winter storm watch has been issued for Sunday evening, January 16, through Monday evening, January 17.  Precipitation type and amounts are quite uncertain, however it appears precipitation will be mostly snow west of the I81 Corridor. Continue to monitor local forecasts for updates.

Planning and preventative maintenance are important year-round, but especially when it comes to winter driving.  Residents are asked to be mindful of potentially hazardous road conditions when the forecast calls for winter weather.  Your local highway superintendents urge residents to:

·        Allow yourself extra travel time to reach your destination.  Winter travel generally takes longer.

·        Avoid driving when tired. The proper amount of rest is key before taking on winter weather tasks; rest reduces driving risks.

·        Avoid the use of a cell phone or smart device while driving, even in hands-free mode.  While hands-free use is legal, studies have shown that hands-free operation of cell phones can still be distracting.


·        Provide extra distance between vehicles to allow for additional stopping time.

·        Note that four-wheel or all-wheel drive vehicles, while providing increased traction, don’t decrease braking distance.     

Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.  Lower volume roads will have less deicing materials applied than thoroughfares. 
 

Make certain your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated, undamaged, and have an appropriate amount of tread-life remaining.
 
Turn off the cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).

Always ensure seat belts are used by all vehicle occupants, not just children and front seat occupants.  Take an additional step and ensure your pets are secured while riding in the car.  Quick stops can launch your pet, injuring you and your pet.

·        As required by State law, fully clean off your vehicle before beginning any trip. Clear vision is a key to good driving.  A clean car prevents snow from flying onto adjacent or trailing vehicles.  Snow left on your roof can slide onto the windshield when stopping.

·   Be aware of snow plows on the road:

o   Give them adequate room to operate.

o   Stay a sufficient distance behind so the operator can see you.

o   Passing a snow plow can be hazardous to you, other motorists, or the plow operator.

o   Plow operators need your cooperation and consideration; remember that plow operators have to go home and shovel out driveways also!

·        Understand that bridge surfaces are often more slippery than the roadway and drive accordingly.  Cold air beneath the bridge causes the surface to freeze faster.

·        Follow local parking restrictions to allow efficient clearing of snow from roadways.  Where possible, park your cars off-street.  If parking on-street is your only option, please don’t park cars directly across from each other, as it makes it difficult for plows to pass through the tighter space.

·        Mail boxes are generally the responsibility of property owners.  All mailboxes should be properly installed.  State law provides that repairs to mailboxes damaged by plows or flying snow are the responsibility of the property owner, not the municipality.

·        Plowing or shoveling snow from driveways and sidewalks into or across roadways is not allowed by New York State law.  It creates a hazard for motorists and highway and public works employees alike.  

·        If possible, wait until after the plows go by before shoveling your driveway entrance.  Shovel the snow to the “downstream” side of your driveway.  This prevents snow from being plowed back into the driveway.

In the event of a winter storm, do not drive unless necessary.  Delay trips when especially bad weather is expected.  If you must travel:

·        Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear; this should include blankets, a shovel, flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, a set of tire chains, battery booster cables or a charged jump starter pack, quick energy foods, and brightly-colored cloth to use as a distress flag. 

·        Keep your gas tank at least half full to prevent gasoline freeze-up. If you have a cell phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged and keep it with you when traveling.

·        Share your travel plans with friends or family.

For more information on safe winter driving, please visit the United States Department of Transportation’s “Winter Driving Tips” webpage at: https://www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov/get-materials/vehicle-safety/winter-driving-tips