The original item was published from December 10, 2018 5:02 PM to October 1, 2019 12:00 AM
With an early start to winter weather, it seems like a good time to address some seasonal safety tips as they relate to warming up your car on these cold mornings, driving in inclement conditions and home security.
It always seems to take us all a bit of time to get our winter driving skills back. We all know that with living in Illinois, a snowy drive to home, work, or other activities is inevitable. Some basic safety tips can go a long way to reducing the likelihood that you experience an accident due to snowy or icy roadways. These tips include:
• Clear your windows, headlights, and tail lights of snow and ice. Each year we respond to accidents that were caused by a driver who failed to clear their windows enough to clearly see the roadway.
• If it is snowing or raining and it requires the use of your windshield wipers, state law requires that you have your headlights on.
• Leave early and allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Leave ample room between you and other vehicles, including snow plows. Stopping distances are much longer.
• Make sure your cell phone is charged prior to leaving for your destination.
• If you are driving a long distance, make sure someone knows your itinerary.
Warming Up Cars
We all like to get into a warm car in the cold weather months. This includes criminals who may take the opportunity to take an unoccupied, running vehicle. Each year communities throughout the Chicago area, inclusive of Geneva, experience vehicle thefts. It is very common to observe drivers run into the gas station or convenient store and leave their unoccupied, unlocked vehicle running. It only takes a matter of seconds for someone to hop into your vehicle and drive away. These are crimes of opportunity. If you are going to warm up your vehicle, the use of an automatic car starter would be the best option. If you are going to leave your vehicle unattended assure that it is turned off, locked, and that all valuables are out of view.
Traveling During The Holidays
The holiday season means plenty of traveling to visit family. If you are going to be leaving your residence unattended during the holidays, help reduce the likelihood of being victimized by crime:
• Assure that your neighbors know that you will be away and who should or should not be at your residence.
• Consider the installation of motion detector activated outdoor lighting and indoor lighting on timers.
• If you will continue to receive mail and/or newspapers while away arrange for someone to pick them up.
• Assure all windows and doors are secure.
• If you have purchased gifts, attempt to keep them out of view.
• If you are away during a time period where snow or ice is expected attempt to have someone shovel your driveway and/or sidewalks
• Advise your neighbors that if suspicious activity of any kind is observed, they should call 911. We would much rather it be no issue as compared to missing the opportunity to prevent a crime.
The Geneva Police Department offers a free vacation watch program for when you are away from your home. Officers will check the exterior of your residence. To participate in the free program, call the Police Department at 630-232-4736 to complete an application.
I hope that you find this information helpful. I can be reached at the Police Department at the same number as above should you have any questions or concerns.
Eric Passarelli
Geneva Police Chief