HOLLAND, MI (WHTC-AM/FM) – The first snowfall of the season has the Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office responded to 119 calls for traffic incidents.
According to Ottawa County Sheriff Deputy Steve Austin, most of the incidents involved slide offs, property damage and injury crashes. A three- car injury crash occurred at on US-31 and Quincy Street in Holland Township with the driver seriously injured and his dog dead at the scene.
There were 75 property damage crashes, 11 injury crashes and 33 slide-off’s on Thursday, December 8. Yesterday morning officials had to close down part of Westbound I-94 for about two hours due to a 32-car pileup near the Paw Paw exit.
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Office has released the following Winter Driving Tips:
SLOW DOWN! – Posted speed limits are for ideal travel conditions. Driving at reduced speeds is the best precautionary measure against any misfortune while driving on slippery roads. “Black ice is invisible”Give yourself plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you. This gives you more time to react to an event in front of you and may avoid a collision. 8-10 seconds, this increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Applying the gas slowly to accelerate is the best method for regaining traction and avoiding skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry. And take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads. Drive with your headlights on low beam during adverse weather conditions.If you become stuck in the snow, stay with your vehicle. It provides temporary shelter and makes it easier for rescuers to locate you. Don’t try to walk in a severe storm. It’s easy to lose sight of your vehicle in blowing snow and become lost or if walking, hit by a passing vehicle.
