Uncategorized November 30, 2022

Important Winter Driving Reminders

Winter has fully arrived in Valley County with upwards of two feet of snow expected in town within the next two days!

Here are some timely tips from the Valley County Sheriff’s Office and the Idaho Department of Transportation regarding Winter Driving:

 

 

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SLIDE OFF THE ROAD:

Tis the season for slide offs. Especially in weather like today.

Here are some suggestions on what to do if you slide off the road:

If you slide off the road and there is no damage to either your vehicle, another vehicle or property (fences, poles, etc.) contact a tow company or roadside service to assist you in getting out.

If you slide off the road and there is damage to your vehicle or other property, this could be a reportable accident, depending on the amount of damage. More than $1500 in damage is considered a reportable accident and you should contact law enforcement to file a report.

We get lots of calls about vehicles sliding off the road and many people are not able to stop to get further information or assist the other vehicle, if that is the case, please make sure you try and gather as much information as you can about the vehicle that you are calling in. Knowing what kind of vehicle, the color, model type, exact location, what side of the road and its condition are very helpful to us so we can manage the limited resources we have during winter storms.

If you are the one that slid off the road, give us a call, let us know you have help on the way, it helps with our response and management of our Deputy’s time so we can better serve our communities. We have a huge response area, and we want to make sure that we are using our resources to the best of our ability, and this is one way you can help us.

Be safe, slow down and pay attention to the road and not your phone! Most of the accidents we have had in the past few months are due to people not paying attention to the road and being distracted.

WHAT TO DO WHEN ENCOUNTERING A SNOW PLOW ON AREA ROADS:

Do you know how to act when you meet a snow plow on the road? We want to make sure you and our plow operators are safe and sound this winter, so check out the Dos and Don’ts of driving near plows on our website: https://itd.idaho.gov/news/snow-plow-dos-and-donts/

As Always, check road reports, check your tires, carry an emergency kit in your car with all essentials and food to stay warm and dry if you should have an accident or be stranded.  Slow down, give the cars in front of you plenty of extra room, and take your time.  Let It Snow!

Check https://511.idaho.gov to know before you go.