IN THE CITY
by Joey D. Seeley
Aroostook County residents are seeing unusual amounts of snow and wintry conditions earlier than usual this year and motorists need to use extra caution when operating motor vehicles on local streets and highways. The police department is already investigating many motor vehicles collisions that could have been prevented or avoided and encourages individuals to stay off the roadways during inclement weather unless travel is absolutely necessary. Here are some few tips to assist motorists to keep safe during the remaining winter months.
Please slow down and allow yourself plenty of time to get where you are going safely. Every year officers of this department investigate a number of motor vehicle collisions that are caused primarily by motorists driving too fast for road conditions. Operators need to pay special attention to road conditions and abide by the posted speed limits. Please remember that even though a particular street has a posted speed limit, road conditions may dictate the speed you should be driving. Be aware that temperatures may warm up during the daylight hours that may cause the snow to melt and cause water to run into the roadways. You may be operating on roads during the day, which are wet and clear of ice and snow, but as night approaches the temperature may drop below freezing that causes a layer of ice to form on the roadway. These icy spots on the roads can cause an operator to lose control of the vehicle and cause a collision, which can lead to serious injury or even death. Be sure to never use your cruise control on wet/snow/ice conditions as this may cause your vehicle to spin out of control. So please slow down, drive responsibly, and remember to always wear your seat belt when riding in a motor vehicle.
The city of Presque Isle continues to enforce parking violations year round on city streets. Residents should avoid parking on any city street for no longer than two hours at any given time. The fine for all night parking and overtime parking is $15 per occurrence. This parking ban is in effect during the winter months so the city plows can keep the roadways and sidewalks clear of ice and snow. If a motor vehicle is impeding the removal of snow from city streets officers will first attempt to locate the vehicles owner to have it moved. If the owner cannot be located the vehicle will be towed by a local wrecker service at the owners expense. The Presque Isle Police Department is asking everyone to abide by the street signs as well as city ordinances that are in place concerning the parking of motor vehicles to avoid these unnecessary expenses. If you are unsure if snow removal will take place please pay special attention to the news media as the department always advertises when snow removal is going to take place. The best rule of thumb to go by is to expect that snow removal is going to take place after each and every storm.
With the early snow accumulations snow banks are already starting to grow and cause problems for motorists. Please pay special attention when pulling into and out of parking lots and driveways. Snow banks can be high during the winter months and your view is going to be obstructed by these banks. When exiting a driveway please take the extra time to be sure there are no other vehicles coming prior to pulling into the roadway. This may mean having another person as a lookout or by creeping slowly out into the intersection until you can clearly see there is no other traffic around. Whenever possible, drive forward out of a driveway rather than backing out. This will give you a better view to see if any vehicles are coming or not. If the driveway is your own you may want to consider taking a moment to knock down the snow so it does not obstruct your view.
If you are driving along the street please be aware of your surroundings in case somebody decides to pull out in front of you. This not only applies to businesses and private driveways but for snowmobile trail crossings as well. Expect the unexpected. By driving defensively you may be able to prevent a motor vehicle collision from happening to you. Snow plow operators should also be reminded that it is a violation of Motor Vehicle Law to place and allow to remain on a public way snow or slush that has not accumulated there naturally.
When you are preparing to travel for the day dress as though you are going for a walk. If your vehicle happens to malfunction you will at least be dressed appropriately to protect yourself from the elements of winter. Having extra clothing in the vehicle is a good choice also as you may need to bundle up to wait for help if your vehicle’s engine is inoperable. Some additional items you should consider carrying: a flashlight, shovel, and cell phone.
If you have any questions concerning operating a motor vehicle safely during the winter months or ordinances that are in effect within the city of Presque Isle please feel free to call an officer from the department if you need assistance. Ordinances can be downloaded on the city web page. Please make an effort to drive responsibly to continue to keep the streets of Presque Isle Safe. Thank you and have a safe, enjoyable winter.
Joey D. Seeley is a patrol sergeant with the Presque Isle Police Department. He can be reached at 764-4474 or online at www.presqueisle.govoffice2.com.
