David Orr

Senior Extension Associate

Media note: Additional cold weather driving information can be found here: https://cornell.box.com/v/WinterWeatherDriving

“As winter weather arrives, there are a few key things all motorists should remember. The most important is to remember Simon and Garfunkel: ‘slow down, you move too fast.’ A simple solution for all drivers during winter weather conditions is to slow down and give yourself more time. To keep your braking distance the same on snowy roads, slow down from 55 mph to 30 mph. If the road has slippery wet ice, you may need to slow down to 25 mph or less.

“It is much easier for the plows to do their job if the traffic volume is low; stay off the highway if possible. If you do have to go out, check your tires, antifreeze, windshield wipers, fluids, and batteries before leaving. Also be sure to completely clean off the snow from your vehicle before driving it – don’t forget your head, tail, and warning lights.

“If you come up behind a plow, don’t tailgate, give the plow room to operate and just stay in line.

“Let’s all get home safe during the holidays!”

Eugene Carroll

Co-Director New York State AFL-CIO/Cornell Union Leadership Institute

“If anyone has told you the American work ethic has slipped away, don’t buy it, just take a take a look outside.

“For those workers who have a public responsibility – people like those working on power lines, plowing roads, keeping bridges safe, delivering mail – the work ethic remains a part of their unsung hero culture.

“It’s real people who are absorbing stress to make the system work under adverse conditions. These are real people who take their work seriously. These are our neighbors, our family members, our community. They don’t expect trophies or awards.”