With freezing temperatures and possible snow showers expected around the region overnight, Tacoma’s Street Operations Crew is prepping for the worst of the incoming wintry mix.
Ice and snow are expected in the forecast throughout the weekend. So, to combat the inclement weather, the city is dispatching 13 snowplows, three de-icing trucks, and a pair of plow-capable pickup trucks to help clear the roadways.
Those crews are expected to be sent out at midnight on Saturday. However, officials anticipate the worst of the system coming through on Saturday and Sunday morning.
Jake Green, Assistant Division Manager of Street Operations for the city of Tacoma, insists that if you happen to see one of those trucks out on the road, make sure to give them some extra space to operate.
“We just recommend driving cautiously,” advises Green. “Pulling to the side if need be. First recommendation is, if you don’t need to drive, stay home.”
It’s also important to note that city crews do not plow or de-ice residential streets. So, it’s essential to check road conditions before you head out.
But before Jake and his crews get to work, we also wanted to understand why it’s so difficult for drivers in Western Washington to navigate snowy and icy conditions.
As we experienced first-hand, it’s not always your vehicle that you have to worry about.
We rode around with Latonya Gore, who runs “A+ Driving School” in Tacoma.
She admits that even though she’s a skilled driver, she detests getting behind the wheel in inclement weather. Not because she’s doubts herself, but because of other inexperienced motorists on the road.
Gore says the best advice she can give is to ease up on the gas pedal.
“The ice on the road…you should automatically want to slow down so that you’re being safe,” she warns. “Not only for yourself, but for other drivers.”
She also reminds drivers that it’s important your car doesn’t take on a life of its own.
“It’s all about making sure that you’re in control of that vehicle,” Gore asserts. “The vehicle is not alive. It should never be in control of the person.”
Like Green, Gore maintains if you don’t have to drive in snowy or icy conditions, there’s no need to get behind the wheel.
But, the driving instructor also recommends trying to shed some of those bad habits early. Avoid things like speeding and distracted driving (i.e. cellphones). And, when that snow starts falling, don’t continue to navigate the roads as if it’s a dry, summer day.
All of which could help make your commute a little smoother. And, safer.
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