Bedford Police Provide Driving Safety Tips During Cold Weather

BEDFORD, NH — As temperatures drop and the winter driving season is upon us, Chief John J. Bryfonski and the Bedford Police Department advise residents and commuters to drive carefully and be aware of all snow emergency plans in town. In order to prevent accidents and ensure your vehicle’s safety on the road and at home this winter season, Bedford Police recommend the following safety tips from AAA:

• Avoid driving while you’re fatigued. Getting the proper amount of rest before taking on winter weather tasks reduces driving risks.
• Allow extra time for travel.
• Never run a vehicle in an enclosed area, such as a garage.
• Allow your vehicle to warm up before driving.
• Make certain your tires are properly inflated.
• Keep your gas tank at least half full.
• If possible, avoid using your parking brake in cold, rainy and snowy weather.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface (wet, ice, sand).
• Always look and steer where you want to go.
• Use your seatbelt every time you get into your vehicle.

Additionally, New Hampshire law RSA 265:79requires drivers to keep windshields free of frost and snow, as drivers can be cited for objects - such as ice and snow - falling from their vehicle.

Bedford Police also urge pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists to take extra caution during inclement weather this season.

Bedford Police urge all pedestrians, joggers and bicyclists to always wear bright and reflective clothing any time of the day or night.

In order to keep the roads a safe place for all travelers, bicyclists should remember the following:

• Bicyclists must obey the same rules of the road as drivers of other vehicles.
• Bicyclists must signal turns and stops unless both hands are required on the handlebars for balance.
• If riding side-by-side, keep within a single lane and do not hold up traffic. Riding more than two abreast is against the law.
• Ride single file if riding two abreast impedes the flow of traffic.
• Never ride on sidewalks and yield the right of way to pedestrians.

According to the New Hampshire law RSA 265:39, joggers and pedestrians must:

• Use crosswalks at intersections.
• Look in both directions before crossing any street.
• When walking along a road where there is no sidewalk, walk on the left side facing oncoming traffic.
• Walk on the shoulder of the road, if possible.
• Observe and obey “Walk,” “Don’t Walk” signals.
• At night, always wear white or light colored reflective clothing, or carry a light.
• Never walk on interstate or limited access highways.

When snow hits, drivers should leave extra room when stopping near sidewalks, bus stops, and crosswalks to give pedestrians more space to navigate the slick roadways.

Additionally, Chief Bryfonski reminds residents that the Town of Bedford’s winter parking ban, in effect from Nov. 1 to April 1, states that no person shall park any motor vehicle on any public highway between the hours of midnight to 8 a.m., or at any other time in such a manner as to impede snow removal operations. Any vehicle in violation may be towed by the Director of Public Works or their agents, by independent contractors engaged by the Director of Public Works, or the Police Chief.

Submitted by the Bedford Police Department.