HORSEHEADS – As the winter season comes upon us, Roger Burlew, President of the Chemung County Town Highway Superintendent’s Association, and Andy Avery, Director of Public Works for Chemung County and the City of Elmira, have issued a winter snow and ice advisory for all Chemung County residents. When the forecast calls for winter weather, they ask residents to be mindful of impending hazardous road conditions. 

“Winter snow and ice conditions add another layer of difficulty to operating a motor vehicle,” said Avery. “It is a time of year when we should be most prepared to face changing and even unexpected conditions.”  Your highway superintendents urge residents to:

     • Allow yourself
         • Sufficient travel time.
         • Extra distance between vehicles and additional stopping time.
              - 4-wheel drive does not decrease braking distance.    
         • Always match your speed to the road and weather conditions.

     • Fully clean off your vehicle before leaving home. Good vision is a key to
       good driving.

     • Be aware of snow plows on the road
         • Give them adequate room to operate.
         • Stay sufficient distance behind so operator can see you.
         • Operating a snowplow is serious business – cooperation 
           and consideration is important.

     • Obey parking restrictions to promote efficient clearing of snow from
       roadways.

     • Mail boxes are generally the responsibility of property owners – make sure 
       yours is properly installed.
 
     • Plowing or shoveling snow into and across roadways is illegal.  Remove
       snow from driveways and sidewalks away from roadways.

     • Wait until after the plows go by before shoveling your driveway entrance.

“Most importantly, drive safely.  Be aware, we must deal with what Mother Nature provides as we attempt to provide clear roads as early as feasible,” added Burlew.

In the event of a winter storm, do not drive unless necessary. If you must travel:

     • make sure you car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, a shovel,   
       flashlight and extra batteries, extra warm clothing, set of tire chains, 
       battery booster cables, quick energy foods and  a brightly-colored cloth   
       to use as a distress flag.

     • Keep your gas tank full to prevent gasoline freeze-up. If you have a cell
       phone or two-way radio available for your use, keep the battery charged
       and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded,
       you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.

     • Make sure someone knows your travel plans.