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Harsh winter weather causes increase in minor traffic accidents
Posted 1/13/2012 Updated 1/13/2012
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by 2d Lt. Son Lee
35 FW/PA
1/13/2012 - MISAWA AIR BASE, Japan -- Due to the harsh winter weather here, minor traffic accidents have been occurring more often than in previous years both on and off base.
"Don't let December fool you. In January and February it doesn't get hot enough during the day to melt the snow like it does in December," said Lt. Col. Dwayne Robison, 35th Civil Engineer Squadron commander.
The roads all around Misawa are covered in a blanket of snow hiding ice. This makes vehicles more susceptible to skidding, which can ultimately result in an accident.
"Inclement weather and icy road conditions are the cause for most accidents in the winter months. For Dec. 2010, we had 8.3 inches of snow and 51 traffic accidents. For Dec. 2011, we had 40.6 inches of snow and 67 traffic accidents," said Tech. Sgt. Nathan Grier, 35th Security Forces Squadron police services.
There are simple ways to drive safely and reduce accidents. Drivers can decrease their speed and leave plenty of room to stop. Also, braking gently helps to avoid skidding.
"Driving during January and February is a lot different than in December," said Robison. "You have to drive differently."
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