Why you should never use your GPS during a snowstorm, warn the managers
Your desire to bypass closed or sustained roads could put you in a worse situation.
THE winter weather Marked its fair share of ravages this season, the states of the country being hit by snowstorms in the past two months. But no matter how experienced you are with these dangerous conditions, there may be safety recommendations that you know less. In this spirit, those responsible for different states recently warned the drivers of the inscription of their GPS devices during snowstorms. Read the rest to discover the driving error that could endanger you.
Read this then: 5 winter travel errors to avoid .
The managers warned the drivers not to use their GPS during the snowstorms.
Travelers are invited to think twice before counting on digital navigation devices during the winter.
More recently, the Colorado State Patrol (CSP) warned against this common practice, with the troop in Limon, Colorado, advising drivers to leave the road instead of following their alternative GPS routes when the main roads are closed or supported For snowstorms.
"Find a city to stop, a restaurant, a truck stop or a hotel and wait," wrote Limon's troop in a January 17 On his official Facebook page.
But they are not only responsible for the state of Colorado by warning about this. "We once again urge travelers not to blindly follow their GPS devices to navigate around road closings in winter storms," wrote the Jackson County Roads department in a November 2022 alert on its website.
Travelers remained stuck in dangerous situations because of the GPS.
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During the last colorado snowstorm, navigation applications led motorists out of the main roads once they have been closed, according to Limon's troop. Many drivers who expected to get around road closings using their GPS machines have encountered worst results.
"The new routes can drive drivers on the county roads that are not maintained," said CSP troop on Facebook. "During the last Blizzard, several people were stuck in drifts, or deep snow for hours or even days in extreme circumstances."
Similar scenarios have played in Oregon, revealed the Jackson County Roads department. When Interstate 5 - One of the main highways in the state - is closed for severe snow conditions, drivers find themselves diverted on Coletine Road by their GPS. But instead of continuing their journey in this way, they could spend "most of the night waiting for the employees of the research and rescue of the county of Jackson and the county of the road saves them", according to the department.
"Coletine Road is a narrow and very steep gravel route which is not maintained during the evening hours," said the Jackson County Roads department. "The route is signed as not being maintained after nightfall in winter, but drivers continue to use this route as a bypass by bad weather. It is not a bypass - do not trust to your GPS! "
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Experts say it is best to completely avoid roads in bad weather.
Limon's troop advises drivers not to follow navigation devices in "dangerous roads" during snowstorms whatever happens. "A good basic rule is that if the highways are closed, the county roads will also be impracticable," wrote the CSP troop on Facebook.
William Baldwin , A driving expert And the Autoglobes founder explains that most GPS devices are not equipped to consider these dangers when they automatically suggest alternative routes.
"Although navigation devices and applications are ideal for finding faster routes, you cannot count on them to lead you to a safe itinerary during the weather," he said Better life . Following this, your GPS could go to the backs and local roads, even if they are "usually the last to be cleaned during snowstorms", according to Baldwin.
"If you respect the advice of your GPS to get off the highway, you could get stuck on a road with deep snow, and you might not get help," he said. "So, if you need to use your GPS to get to your destination during a snowstorm, just make sure you don't follow your recommendation to take a road. Stay on the highway even if it means stuck in traffic. It's safer in relation to being blocked in the middle of nowhere. "
You must also keep an emergency kit stored in your vehicle.
If you know that a snowstorm has or could cause road closings, the "safest thing" that you can do overall is to avoid leaving on the road to start, according to, Eric Peterson , A Experienced travel guide and founder of wise campers.
"I recommend checking the road conditions in the region before leaving," he said. "This can be done by checking weather reports and consulting local state inspections."
But if you have no other choice or if you are already on the road when violent weather conditions strike, it is important that you have safety tools stored in your car so that you can turn.
"Always travel with a winter emergency kit during cold seasons," explains Rick Musson , a 21 -year -old police officer and a Consultant in traffic safety With 4uksurancequote.com. "In this way, if you are stuck on the highway during a snowstorm, you have food, water, blankets and necessary drugs."
