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It’s the most wonderful time of the year for many as families and friends travel to visit their loved ones for the holidays. With everything happening, it can be easy to neglect or caught of guard by inclement weather. Today’s broadcast features traveling safety tips from Blossburg Police Department’s Chief McCurdy.

1. Be prepared. If you know a storm or excess snow is coming, finish your errands or travel early as best as you can to avoid driving in the aforementioned conditions.
2. Complete a pre-trip inspection. Look over your vehicle’s tire pressure, fluid levels, and fuel levels – and top them off as needed.
3. Slow down. Doing so will help with the rest of these tips.
4. Give yourself extra space when driving in poor conditions. This will give you extra reaction time (or a buffer), should something happen to the vehicles in front of you.
5. Hold your steering wheel firmly.
6. Break and accelerate lightly.
7. Be cautious of black ice. Sometimes this dangerous road condition can be hidden under a layer of snow. This is another reason to drive slowly.
8. Be cautious when approaching bridges as they are usually first to ice over.
9. Use extra care driving through mountain terrain, as the topography and elevation is prone to inclement weather and bad driving conditions.
10. Obey road signs and traffic signals.
11. If you become stranded or stuck, remain in your vehicle and wait for help. If you slipped off the road, it’s likely someone else could follow and strike you.
12. Be sure to clear all snow from your car, particularly your windows, lights and roof. Snow that becomes dislodged while driving can be hazardous for you and other drivers.

Lastly, during the holidays, many enjoy attending parties and other gatherings where alcohol is served. Please, be smart and don’t drink and drive. If you know somebody consuming alcohol, make sure they being responsible too and are not getting behind the wheel.

“The Blossburg Police Department wishes everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Please strive to stay safe.” – Chief McCurdy