Police provide winter weather driving tips

A big concern for law enforcement is ice on the roadways. The ground must be 30 degrees or below for it to freeze. The City of Savannah has front loader trucks to clear roadways if snow becomes an issue and trucks with sand and salt in case of ice. The Savannah Chatham Metropolitan Police Department will work closely with Georgia Department of Transportation and the Chatham Emergency Management Agency throughout the day and overnight.

The SCMPD provides these driving tip for winter weather:

• Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop. You should allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you.
• Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
• Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
• Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
• Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
• Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
• Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble in some conditions.
• Once the weather turns to an icy mix don’t venture out if you don’t need to.
• Make sure to check on elderly neighbors
• Do not leave your pets outside or without shelter
• If your power goes out contact Georgia Power at (888) 891-0938, in the case of an emergency call 911
• Sign up for CEMA alerts by going to cema.chathamcounty.org