It’s that time of year again! Yes, Christmas and New Year’s is fast approaching. However, whether you love it or hate it, “Old Man Winter” is knocking on our door. Snow will blanket our great state which can certainly create some beautiful scenery. But it can also cause a lot of headaches for motorists, truck drivers, road crews, and first responders alike. Troopers are often asked about the worst part of the job. Some responses vary, but most troopers will say working blizzards on the interstate ranks right at the top of the list. So, depending on your perspective, it can be a wonderful time of year, but also a very dangerous time. Here are some safety tips for those traveling this winter season:

Be Weather Aware

Before venturing out to your destination, look ahead and check the weather forecast. There are several ways to get this information, whether it’s your local newspaper, radio, TV station, or the internet. The Iowa State Patrol, Iowa Department of Transportation, and Iowa 511 keep up-to-date roadway conditions and will also report traffic delays and road closures. Most weather forecasts nowadays give plenty of warning of incoming winter storms, sometimes days in advance. However, an occasional snowstorm will seem to come out of nowhere and can catch us all off guard.

The more traffic we have on snow covered roads, the more calls for service we generate, and that can impact our response times. The Iowa State Patrol strives to maintain a healthy presence of troopers on the roadways, especially during winter storms. We often rely on our law enforcement partners, county sheriffs and police departments, to help keep up with the calls that come in. When you see reports stating “Travel Not Advised” for a particular area, that means conditions are so bad that roads may become impassable and you may not make it to your destination. If you don’t have to travel during a winter storm, we encourage you to stay home.

Watch Your Speed

In recent years, we have seen an increase of crashes involving multiple vehicles during snowstorms. One particular instance was a multi-car pileup on I-35 near Ames on Feb. 5 , 2018. Many of those traveling were returning from Super Bowl LII in Minneapolis. Throughout the morning, troopers stayed busy stopping cars for speeding on the interstate. Road and weather conditions were already starting to deteriorate, but apparently the sight of snow didn’t slow them down. Just shortly after noon, there was a chain-reaction crash involving over 70 vehicles, unfortunately resulting in a fatality and shutting down the interstate for several hours. Looking at the driving behaviors just hours before this incident, it should come as no surprise that this happened. That is why it is so important to slow down and adjust your speed accordingly. Another piece of advice is to not use cruise control while driving on slick roads. Your wheels can hydroplane or spin causing your vehicle to skid out of control. Make sure you are paying attention to the road and operating at a safe speed.

Accidents & Stranded Motorists

Our most recent winter weather day was earlier this month on Monday, Dec. 2. The Iowa State Patrol logged a total of 87 car crashes statewide, nine of which involved personal injuries, and one crash that resulted in three fatalities. The ISP also assisted 54 stranded motorists. This was our first measurable snowfall this season, at least in central Iowa. The first storms typically keep us very busy because we are still used to normal road conditions and many out there still need to “calibrate” their driving skills on snow and ice.

If your vehicle breaks down or you are involved in an accident, call the Iowa State Patrol or local law enforcement and we will send help your way. If you are involved in or observe an emergency situation, call 911 immediately.

Be Prepared

Keep your vehicle winter-ready by having good tires, windshield wipers, and lighting equipment so you can get around in the snow and be visible to others. Also be sure to keep your windows and mirrors clear of snow. If you must travel during a winter storm, always keep extra supplies in your vehicle if you get stranded. Blankets, coats, food, water, cell phone charger, and a first aid kit are just some of the things that can help you stay safe. Call ahead and let someone know your route and estimated time of arrival. Keep track of landmarks, mile markers, or cross streets, so when visibility is zero, you have an idea of where you are especially if you aren’t familiar with the area you are traveling. That way if you get stranded and need to call 911, you can advise the dispatcher where you are if they can’t ping your cell phone location. If you need a tow truck, your vehicle might not get towed until conditions improve. You may be riding out the storm at a rest area or a truck stop if a tow ban is in effect.

Please drive safe during the holidays and throughout the winter months. As always, the Iowa State Patrol appreciates your support and we wish you and your family a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Trooper Paul Gardner is the public resource officer for District 7 of the Iowa State Patrol.