Dealership partners with state agencies to support winter driving safety
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency, Office of Highway Safety, Department of Transportation and i.g. Burton Auto Group are teaming up to observe Winter Weather Awareness Week from Monday to Friday, Dec. 1 to 5, with a special focus on car safety.
For this period, i.g. Burton dealerships across Kent, New Castle and Sussex counties will each be giving away 100 free car safety packs during their winter auto sales events. Each dealership will feature displays with information to help drive home the key messages of winter road safety. Locally, the participant will be i.g. Burton Lewes Automall Chevrolet Buick GMC, 17861 Coastal Hwy., Lewes.
“As temperatures drop and winter weather makes driving more dangerous, we’re reminding Delawareans to be prepared, slow down and stay safe,” said Gov. Matt Meyer. “Winter Weather Awareness Week is an important collaboration between state agencies and local partners to raise public awareness, share safety tips and provide emergency resources to families so that we can keep Delawareans safe.”
Along with cold temperatures, winter delivers dangerous travel conditions, from snow and ice to high winds and diminished visibility. DEMA, OHS and DelDOT remind residents to Drive Safe, Be Prepared by taking steps to ensure road safety during inclement weather.
Residents can visit preparede.org/winterweather to download a helpful checklist of essential items (blankets, shelf-stable snacks, jumper cables, flashlights, windshield scrapers, flares or glowsticks, shovels) to winterize their vehicle emergency kit.
“We always strongly recommend that people prepare an emergency kit of essential items. We encourage people to winterize their vehicle emergency kits in case drivers are held up by hazardous weather conditions,” said DEMA Director AJ. Schall. “This type of automative readiness helps keep drivers safe through the worst of winter weather.”
“Safety is key. If stranded for any reason, stay in your vehicle and wait for help,” said OHS Director Sharon Bryson. “Taking time now to prepare your vehicle can mitigate the impact of severe weather to keep Delawareans safe this winter season and beyond.”
Severe weather conditions can contribute greatly to dangerous road conditions, which is why it is important to ensure timely vehicle maintenance, such as checking the condition of tires, wiper blades and brake lights, along with maintaining proper antifreeze levels and sufficient gas for longer trips. Along with that, having essential items such as water, shelf-stable snacks, blankets, phone charging cords and glow sticks can ensure passenger safety even in the worst weather situations.
“We are delighted to promote winter weather awareness to ensure that motorists are well prepared to weather any storm,” said Charles Burton, i.g. Burton Auto Group president. “Passenger enjoyment and safety is paramount.”
“Safety on the roads is our top priority, and it’s important for drivers to be prepared and adapt their driving to the conditions, especially during winter storm events,” said DelDOT Secretary Shanté Hastings. “Please slow down and stay several car lengths behind our snowplow operators, for their safety and yours!”
Snow totals from winter storms last year forced the temporary closure of state offices in Kent and New Castle counties. While the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicted the presence of La Niña in October of this year, suggesting the possibility of a warmer winter than last year, Delawareans should still be prepared for the seasonal winter weather mix of freezing rain with the potential for snow and ice. DEMA always recommends that everyone make a plan, build a kit, and stay informed on the latest conditions. Visit PrepareDE.org for more resources. Taking time now to prepare can help residents mitigate the impacts of winter weather hazards whenever they occur.
Winter driving safety tips
Del DOT offers several tips for safe winter driving. First, stay informed about current weather, winter storm forecasts, travel advisories and warnings. Register mobile numbers with the Delaware Emergency Notification System at de.gov/dens for updates on hazardous conditions in Delaware.
Follow DelDOT traffic advisory radio stations WTMC for streaming updates from WTMC Radio 1380AM and 98.5 FM. Listen to WTMC through the DelDOT app, which provides real-time updates on roadway and transit conditions.
In inclement weather, stay off roads if at all possible. If weather conditions cause drivers to be trapped in a vehicle, they should stay inside.
To report disabled vehicles on Delaware roads, call 302-659-4600 or 800-324-8379 to reach the DelDOT Transportation Management Center. For general information, call 302-760-2080 or 800-652-5600.
Automotive safety checklist
* Check your tires and windshield wipers, and replace if needed
• Make sure windshields are completely clear of snow
• Clear snow from vehicle tops and and pickup truck beds
• Once on the road, drive slowly; travel at or below the posted speed limit
• Keep a good distance away from nearby vehicles; driving too close will not allow enough time to react if another driver loses control of their vehicle
• Turn on headlights to be visible for other drivers; Delaware law requires headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than high beams
• Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for extra stopping distance
• Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces, and ice may not be visible; reduce vehicle speed
• Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way; allow for extra reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or traffic light
• Never pass a snowplow
• Always wear your seatbelt.
Winter preparedness tips
Dress in layers appropriate for the conditions, and learn the signs of hypothermia and frostbite.
Prepare your home and car for extreme cold temperatures, such as weatherproofing your house and winterizing your vehicle by checking or replacing lights, tires, wiper blades and other items.
Bring pets or animals in during winter storms and freezing temperatures, and stock up on pet supplies in advance of storms.
Preparedness takes a team; buddy up to help those with access and functional needs.
The National Weather Service-Mount Holly issues the latest weather conditions and forecasts for Delaware as well as official winter storm watches, warnings and advisories. NWS also has a Winter Weather Dashboard that shows the short-term forecast for winter weather conditions in the three-state region that includes Delaware. Download the FEMA Mobile App and set a location to receive NWS alerts for that area. Learn more at ArriveAliveDE.com.
The Delaware Emergency Management Agency is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware's economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security and authorized by Delaware Code.
