EXTREME WINTER COLD PREPAREDNESS
Winter driving can be dangerous. So a safety refresher now can help prevent headaches later. There are many crashes from drivers not slowing down in winter conditions. Statistics showed that as many as 800 car accidents a year statewide were caused by unsafe driving behaviors in wet and snowy conditions last year.
Our local transportation and public roads departments do their best to keep our roads clear. They can only do so much until they are overwhelmed. So the RSICPD and other local public safety agencies are working together to urge everyone to be safe during winter driving on snowy and icy conditions.
PREPARE:
Travel in winter weather only when necessary. Leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
Check weather and road conditions by dialing 511 in Nevada.
You can also check online such as in Nevadadot.com, nvroads.com, or localconditions.com
Maintain your car: check your battery, tire tread, windshield wipers, levels of nofreeze washer fluid reservoir and your antifreeze.
Maintain a high fuel level in your gas tank.
Keep a basic winter travel kit in the car: chains, a flashlight, jumper cables, shovel, snowbrush, ice scraper, water, road flares and a blanket.
PROTECT:
Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
Reduce Speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
Don’t slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
Passing is not recommended when snow or ice is present.
Do not use cruise control in inclement weather.
Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shady areas; they may freeze first.
Comply with all posted chain requirements.
Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
PREVENT:
Before driving, place your cell phone in the glove box where you won’t be tempted to use it while driving. Or you can simply turn off your phone when driving.
Remove snow and ice from all car windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
Make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow when parked.
Avoid fatigue. Get plenty of rest before a trip. Try to stop every three hours and rotate drivers if possible.
If you take strong medications, have a designated driver.
If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation.
Conclusion:
Be careful when driving in the snow or ice. Take extra precautions before and during driving. It is difficult handling a vehicle when you have almost no control of the road traction. Research road conditions daily if necessary during the winter. Install tire cables or chains if necessary. Drive slow and give space. Please share these important information to your family. I hope that this is helpful to everyone in order to promote safety in our community.
It is the unrelentless mission of the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony Police Department to continually explore solutions to solve, prevent, deter, respond and keep our community safe from crimes and dangers with the partnership of the community for the safety and welfare of our community.
IN CASES OF EMERGENCY, PLEASE DIAL 911.
We must stress the importance of calling 911. A 911 dispatcher will send an officer to the address of the emergency; they will also ask questions to assist the officer prior to arrival. The dispatcher may also contact other services that are needed such as medical assistance, fire assistance, or additional police personnel.
Non-emergency dispatch number:
(775)323-2677
Please call this number if you have a non-emergency need to speak to an officer or non-emergency officer assistance.
RSIC TRIBAL POLICE BUSINESS OFFICE
(775)785-8776
This number is to be used to conduct administrative business with the police department, such as leaving messages for police staff, information requests, general questions, or other police business related matters. The police administrative office is open Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 5:00pm.
HUNGRY VALLEY SUB-STATION.
(775)785-1365
This number is to be used to conduct administrative business with the police department, such as leaving messages for police staff, information requests, general questions, or other police business related matters. Officers use the sub-station for briefings, writing reports and telephone calls.
PARA EMERGENCIA, LLAMA 911 PARA LA OFICINA, LLAMA (775)785-8776