Aurora Police Issue Winter Parking and Safety Reminders

With winter weather in the forecast including likely snow this weekend, Aurora Police are reminding motorists that driving at this time of the year requires extra precautions behind the wheel— especially slowing down and driving defensively.

Police say that speed reduction in the ice and snow can go a long way in cutting down the number of crashes that typically accompany bad weather. Motorists should pay special attention on bridges, overpasses, and intersections, where slick spots may form. They add that headlights and windshield wipers should always be used, there should be plenty of gas in the tank, and windows cleared of snow, ice, and frost before driving a vehicle. In addition, a professional mechanic should inspect vehicles regularly to assure they are in good driving condition, according to a news release.

Aurora Police are also reminding residents of the city’s snowfall ordinance which was enacted to assure safe and effective snow plowing. It dictates the ticketing and possible towing of any vehicle parked on a public street or alley during or after a snowfall of two inches or more.

Failure to comply can lead to a ticket and vehicle tow that will cost a minimum of $150.00, plus applicable storage and release fees, depending on the time of the infraction. City streets and alleyways are not considered plowed until the lane of traffic nearest the curb has been cleared.

Last year, 291 vehicles were ticketed in Aurora for violating the snowfall ordinance despite the relatively mild winter. Motorists should be extra careful when interacting with snow plows on city streets by staying at least 75 feet behind the plows and never attempting to pass them, according to the news release.

Winter weather also tends to spike the number of vehicles that are stolen while left running unattended. Police say these present a prime opportunity for thieves who have the ability to steal the vehicles in a matter of seconds. Although it may be inviting to make sure a car is warm before leaving home, police ask motorists to use common sense and to not leave the vehicle running unattended— whether or not the doors are locked.

They point out that, even with the doors locked, a window can easily be broken giving a thief access to the running vehicle. Police say that, frequently, stolen cars and trucks are used in the commission of other crimes such as drive-by shootings and hit-and-run accidents.

They also say that many insurance companies will not cover losses due to the negligence of the owner— including leaving a vehicle running unattended. Police officers can also issue citations if they come across an unattended, running motor vehicle on public property, according to a news release.

Similarly, not matter what the weather, Aurora Police are underscoring the importance of making sure keys are never left in vehicles, that doors are always locked, and valuables are stowed out of plain site. The vast majority of stolen vehicles have been unsecured and a set of keys left in the vehicle. Along the same lines, most vehicles that are burglarized are also unlocked and have purses, electronics and other valuables left on seats, floors and other areas where they can be easily seen by thieves.