People’s vehicles are like their second homes. They become well acquainted with their cars, trucks and motorcycles throughout the day, especially during the morning and evening hours to and from work.
When the weather turns nasty, drivers have to know more about their vehicles than ever, according to Jennifer Cook, spokesperson for the AAA Washington corporate office in Bellevue.
“I think what makes the Western Washington area so unique is that we are always going uphill or downhill. We are rarely on a flat surface,” she said. “It’s important for motorists to understand how their vehicle operates and what applications they have on their vehicle.”
Knowing how to handle their vehicles’ all-wheel-drive, front-wheel-drive, rear-wheel-drive and four-wheel drive capabilities in the snow and rain will make a major difference in people driving safely or erratically on slippery surfaces during the winter months, Cook added.
Cook also suggests that people keep an eye on city and county websites and news reports to see what’s happening on the streets before it’s time to drive:
• City of Redmond Disaster Preparedness: www.redmond.gov/DisasterPrep
• Take Winter By Storm: www.govlink.org/storm
• The City of Redmond will post emergency updates on its website: www.redmond.gov
“There are lots of hills in Redmond and it’s good to know what roadways are being plowed and cleared,” Cook said.
Falling snow and buildup on streets are not drivers’ only nightmares. Pouring rain and icy roads and bridges as a result of frigid weather can also be the bane of people’s driving experience.
“People drive their routes every day. They should know the areas where water tends to collect on the road,” Cook said about driving slower and paying more attention to their surroundings during those times.
As far as ice goes, Cook noted that trouble spots are on the roads of east Redmond, where trees cover many of the roads. If the roads are icy and the skies are clear, the trees block the sun and therefore the ice will take longer to thaw and create a smooth ride for drivers.
