County officials offer tips for holiday travel

The busiest travel season of the year is just days away and local officials hope that everyone stays safe during the holidays.  

For the most part, the weather throughout North Idaho is expected to be cold and wet but very manageable through Christmas. However, when navigating remote areas like Lookout or Fourth of July Pass, cold and wet can be just as dangerous as snowy when the temperatures begin to drop and black ice builds up.  

Shoshone County Sheriff Holly Lindsey has seen too many accidents over the holidays throughout her career in law enforcement. Along with the drivers and their passengers, responding to these accidents can be hazardous for law enforcement and first responders. 

“I think the biggest thing to remember when experiencing winter driving conditions is to take your time,” Lindsey said. “Ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get where you are going. Maybe leave earlier, or if all else fails, give yourself permission to be a little late. I would rather get a lecture from my supervisor for being a little late versus being involved in a 10-car pile-up. My suggestion is to put on some music that puts you in a good mood and safely/slowly make your way wherever you’re going.” 

Shoshone County Emergency Manager Dan Martinsen always recommends that people go back to basics when it comes to winter traveling, while also reiterating much of what Sheriff Lindsey said.  

“When it comes to traveling on these dangerous roads it really is all about remembering what we were all taught about driving during the winter,” Martinsen said. “Take your time, keep that two-car-length space between you and other vehicles, add weight to your vehicles to help with traction, give yourself time to stop, those are all things that people can do that will make traveling a lot safer.” 

Martinsen also believes in being prepared, so monitoring the weather, the road conditions, and any traffic updates can be helpful as well. 

Being prepared means keeping an emergency winter driving kit in your car. The kit should include items like flashlights with extra batteries, a first aid kit with a pocketknife, at least one blanket, an extra set of mittens, socks, and a warm cap, a small sack of sand or cat litter for generating traction under the wheels, a small shovel, bottled water, booster cables, canned fruit, nuts and a non-electric can opener. 

There are also several tips from the Idaho Transportation Department that should help travelers navigate the potential dangers of traveling through possible hazardous weather while coexisting with the road crews who are working to keep the roads clear. 

• Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle. 

• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow’s force can knock your car out of control. 

• Do not cut back immediately in front of a snow plow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see. 

• Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as an automobile. 

• Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. However, if you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow. 

• Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, bridges and overpasses. Since they are exposed on their undersides, bridges and overpasses are deprived of ground warmth and freeze more rapidly than the roadways leading to them. 

• Before you begin your trip, make sure your car’s windows, mirrors and lights are clear of snow. Keep your windshield washers filled with a non-freezing solution all winter. 

The Idaho 511 travel information app is available for all phone users and is also available for viewing on the Idaho Transportation Department website. 

The 511 app has constant updates on things like road conditions, speed changes, construction reports, accident reports, mountain passes, as well as providing drivers cameras to see what the actual roads look like. 

For more information on winter driving safety or to view the online 511 Travel Information, visit itd.idaho.gov under the Travel tab.