DES MOINES — In the wake of the massive chain-reaction collisions occurring in recent weeks on Iowa roadways, the Iowa State Patrol has offered some helpful tips for motorists as icy weather moves across much of the state over the next couple of days:
- Reduce your speed to one suitable for the condition of the road
- Increase your following distance
- Use extra caution in the areas of acceleration and deceleration, such as on ramps, off ramps intersections
- Anticipate: Look up the road when travelling
- Remember that speed limit(s) are designed for ideal conditions
Iowa State Patrol Sgt. Nathan Ludwig reminds motorists that a vehicle travelling 70 mph on dry pavement requires an overall stopping distance of around 350 feet, and a vehicle travelling 50 mph on dry pavement requires an overall stopping distance of around 198 feet.
The conclusion for winter weather is plain: Slow down. Keep your distance. Be careful. Stay alert.
Ludwig said the Feb. 5 pile-up on U.S. Interstate 35 near Ames involved 70 vehicles, and the Feb. 17 pile-up on U.S. Interstate 35 south of Huxley involved more than 90 vehicles.
