Inclement weather can be a problem for Marshall University commuters, but the Marshall University Police Department said there are ways to make driving in the snow less frightening and dangerous.

Kyle McCallister, MUPD patrolman, said first and most importantly, people should not go out in bad weather unless absolutely neccesary.

“Going out to get something to eat isn’t worth putting yourself or anyone else at risk,” McCallister said. “Only go out if you have a true emergency. Walk to local restaurants if you have to.”

For those who have no choice, there are ways to try and ensure safety.

One safety tip that is to always wear a seatbelt.

McCallister said another important tip is to go slow.

“The one mistake people make in bad weather is not taking their time,” McCallister said. “If you have bad weather, leave earlier and slow your speeds down. The speed limit may be 35, but that doesn’t mean you should go 35 if the weather is bad.”

Dean of Student Affairs Steve Hensley said he agrees with McCallister on the importance of taking your time while driving.

“Drive slow so that in case of a wreck your car is injured, but you are not,” Hensley said.

While driving slow is very important, McCallister said slamming on your breaks to change speeds is not a good idea.

“Use good judgment when having to apply your brakes,” McCallister said. “Make sure brake usage is light and not all of the sudden. Also, slamming on your gas pedal to get out of the snow typically doesn’t help. You have to get traction, so spinning your tires faster isn’t always the better option.”

Black ice is a hidden danger when driving in the snow.

“The biggest danger [with black ice] is that you are at the mercy of your vehicle and the ice until your car passes over it,” said Julie Lee, vice president and National Director of AARP Driver Safety, said.

Hensley agreed black ice was a danger while driving.

“Black ice—good for a Black Russian cocktail, bad for driving,” Hensley said.

AccuWeather has three tips listed on its website for safety during driving over black ice: do not hit the breaks—instead keep the steering wheel steady, do not accelerate and do not overcorrect steering if the car slides.

McCallister said even the most experienced drivers get in accidents.

“If you think that because you have this big four wheel drive truck you’re not going to get in an accident, you’re not always right,” McCallister said. “You’re more likely to cause an accident by going too fast, and going too fast can impact others around you.”

Hensley said if it’s an option, park the beamer, drive the beater.

“I was behind a BMW on Monday going up 20th Street hill and it would barely make it up this rather modest grade,” Hensley said.

More tips for driving in the snow according to AAA are: avoid driving while fatigued, never warm up a vehicle in an enclosed area, make sure tires are properly inflated, keep gas tanks at least half full to avoid gas line freeze-up, avoid using a parking brake, if possible, and do not use cruise control when driving on any slippery surface.

Karima Neghmouche can be contacted at [email protected].