Northwest Iowa — The weather we’ve been experiencing lately has been more reminiscent of late September than late November, but December is upon us, and experience tells us that winter can’t be far behind. So, we thought this a good time to review some of the winter driving skills needed here in northwest Iowa.
Iowa State Patrol Trooper Vince Kurtz says it’s often easy for us to forget how to drive on wintery Iowa roads from one winter season to the next.
Kurtz says that when negotiating winter roads, remember to slow down in advance.
He says anti-lock brakes area a great safety feature that’s found on most vehicles these days.
Kurtz reminds motorists that icy conditions aren’t an acceptable reason for getting into a crash. Drivers must have their vehicles under control at all times.
Trooper Kurtz says that, while vehicles with 4-wheel drive can help you move through accumulating snow, 4-wheel drive does nothing to help you stop, nor does it have much affect on helping you regain control once you start skidding on the ice.
Hopefully it will be several weeks before our winter driving skills are put to the test, but here in northwest Iowa, that’s not something I’d bet on.
