Holiday safety driving

The Cedar Rapids Police Department would like to encourage everyone to have a safe and happy holiday season. To do this, we encourage everyone to drive safely and make it to your destination.

Watch weather reports. Whether you are driving to work, to grandma's in Des Moines, or out of state, check out the road conditions BEFORE you leave home. Listen to TV and radio updates on local road conditions. The Iowa Department of Transportation has a great website for road conditions for Iowa and other states. Go to

http://www.iowadot.gov/maintenance/winterSafety.html to look at road conditions.

DRIVE DEFENSIVELY! When the weather starts to turn cold and snow and ice begin to stick to the road, SLOW DOWN. If you do not slow down, your vehicle will stop very quickly when it runs into another vehicle unexpectedly. Avoid a crash by slowing down and driving defensively.

Have your car winterized. Make sure you have adequate tread on your tires. Have an emergency kit in your vehicle. It should include a blanket, flashlight, gloves, hat, water and your cell phone should be charged.

Citizens should be aware of snow routes. Vehicles parked on the improper side of the street, WILL BE TOWED AT THE OWNERS EXPENSE.

And finally, do not blow or shovel the snow from your driveway into the street. City Ordinance 9.11, “(c) Snow and ice removed from sidewalks, private driveways, parking lots and other private property may be placed on City right-of-way parking areas only if such placement does not create a hazardous situation, block a sidewalk or right-of-way or create any situation that could cause damage to the public property. No snow or ice may be placed upon the traveled portion of any sidewalk, street, alley or way.” The Cedar Rapids Police Department may issue citations for putting snow onto the city streets.

Thank you to the media for spreading the word so quickly and keeping citizens and motorists safe in Cedar Rapids.

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