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Tips and tricks on how to travel safely over winter break
AARON WYMAN Contributor
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EWU students come from all around the world, and some have never driven in snowy or icy conditions before. Driving in the Pacific Northwest during winter requires more attention to the road.
The Washington State Department of Transportation is responsible for ensuring that people and goods move safely and efficiently. In addition to building, maintaining and operating the state highway system, WSDOT is responsible for maintaining and improving local roads and public transportation. Beth Bousley, communications manager for WSDOT’s eastern region, said it’s important to be prepared.
“The first thing is to be prepared. Make sure you check out the conditions before you get in your car,” Bousley said. “When conditions are changing, make sure you drive slowly, brake slowly, accelerate slowly.”
An important factor to consider is the car will not be able to stop in slippery conditions like in dry conditions. Do not tailgate or slam on the brakes, because that can cause the brakes to lock and the driver can lose control of the vehicle.
According to the WSDOT winter driving page, having traction tires is advised while traveling in town, on the highways and over mountain passes.
Bousley also emphasized the importance of being aware of other vehicles on the road.
“There are snow plows out on the road at all times of the day and night,” Bousley said.
“Please look out for them and don’t crowd the plow. That means follow at 15-car-lengths behind. Make sure that there is plenty of gas in the car and plenty of food in the car for the duration of the trip and also the right tires and carry chains.”
To keep drivers safe, Bousley recommended checking out the WSDOT website at https://www.wsdot.wa.gov/, then searching “winter driving” in the search bar to find articles for tips, laws and winter operations.
When planning for a road trip over mountain passes, chains for the vehicle may be required to cross. Students can check the WSDOT website before leaving to determine which areas are requiring chains.
It is recommended by WSDOT to have an emergency roadside kit. The contents you should bring along are: a blanket, a flashlight, extra batteries, gloves, shovels, jumper cables, a scraper, road flares, bottled water, non-perishable foods (for twice the duration you intended to be traveling), a cell phone charger, a small roadside tool kit, and a first-aid kit.
“If you’ve veered off the road and you are stuck, you should call 9-1-1,” Bousley said.
Tell people what time you are traveling and which roads you are planning on taking just in case you go off the road and become stranded. Always check road conditions and mountain pass conditions before your trip. Plan extra time for your trip. When traveling in winter conditions, sometimes you cannot drive at the posted speeds due to icy, below freezing, snowy or foggy conditions. •
What to pack when traveling
Illustrations by Malati Powell for The Easterner
- BETH BOUSLEY, WSDOT Comm. manager
Two EWU police officers injured during arrest
MITCHELL ROLAND News Editor
Two EWU Police officers received medical attention after an assault on campus left them with facial wounds.
The pair were responding to a call at approximately 6:16 a.m. on Nov. 24, when an employee at Einstein Bros Bagels called to report a male and female in Tawanka Commons, which was not yet open. Upon making contact with the individuals, the male and female told the employee that there was blood on the third floor of the building. The employee went inside of Einstein Bros, locked the doors and called the police. Officers arrived on the scene, and made contact with the individuals. The officers discovered that the male had a warrant out for his arrest.
During their interaction, the male began to fight with the two officers. One officer was punched multiple times in the face during the altercation, and the other also received injuries to his face. The male was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for third degree assault, which is a felony, and the female was cited for trespassing and released. Both individuals were also banned from the EWU campus.
One officer was treated at the scene by the Cheney Fire Department and released, and the other was taken to a local hospital to receive medical
attention. Both officers are back on full duty with the EWU Police Department.
Sgt. Lorraine Hill of the EWU Police Department said that there is an ongoing problem of homeless individuals coming on to campus, and checking doors until they find one that is unlocked. EWU police would like to remind people that if they see someone in a building after hours to contact the police immediately, and to report suspicious activity that they observe. •
