MINERAL COUNTY – Last week saw several days of nearly continuous snowfall, which left the roads slick with slush and ice.

According to Montana Highway Patrol Sergeant Roman Zylawy, the most common cause of accidents in the area is when people try to pass another vehicle. The interstate typically sees traffic focus on one lane in snowy conditions as the other lane is left open. Zylawy said people try to pass by going to the unoccupied left lane without realizing it is slick.

“They go to pass someone and learn the left-hand lane has more slush or snow because it’s traveled less,” said Zylawy. “They end up losing control while they try to pass and they end up crashing.”

Zylawy attributed many of the accidents to people from out of state. He said drivers from Washington and Idaho were not familiar with all the curves in the road. Out of state drivers tend to drive at high speeds on a straightaway and do not always slow down in time to make the turn.

“The laws of physics dictate that a vehicle moving will want to go in a straight line and they can’t manage the corner,” said Zylawy.

He said many drivers were also unaware of the dangers of using cruise control. When a car is on cruise control, the computer does not know to slow down for a slick corner. As the vehicle tries to accelerate, the slick conditions cause it to slide off the road or spin out. Zylawy recommended drivers manage their vehicle’s speed themselves and not rely on the computer.

Zylawy also recommended people be cautious with four-wheel drive. Use of four-wheel drive does not mean the vehicle can go faster on slick roads. While it helps the vehicle get moving, it does not help stop or manage curves on the road.

The snowy roads can also lead to vehicles getting stranded in less populated areas. In these situations, there are some general survival tips for travelers to follow.

Zylawy said the usual tip of a warm blanket was good advice. He also said it was important to have good footwear in case there was need to leave the vehicle.

“You don’t want to be caught in your loafers and suit jacket when you might have to get out to change a flat tire or walk for help,” said Zylawy.

If a stranded person decides to stay in the vehicle to keep warm, they should make sure the exhaust pipe is kept clear and not blocked by snow or other obstructions. This is necessary to avoid the exhaust backing it into the cab and suffocating the occupants.

If a vehicle does become stranded, Zylawy recommended a few tips for getting help. He said the universal sign of distress was to raise the hood of the car. This is a good signal for the highway patrol because it tells them it is an actual vehicle in distress and not someone who pulled off for other reasons.

“So many people have cell phones now and a vehicle being parked on the side of the road does not automatically mean they need assistance,” said Zylawy. “We’ll go to check someone out only to find they’re fine, they’re just talking on the cell phone.”

Regardless of the reason, if a vehicle is parked on the side of the road the hazard lights should be turned on. This will be a signal to other drivers the vehicle is not moving. This is especially important in the winter where drivers may not be able to clearly see a vehicle’s movements from behind.

Zylawy said a semi truck would flatten a parked minivan if it ran over. He said the safest solution was to get the vehicle to a rest area or nearby off ramp. This would decrease the chances of another vehicle hitting a stopped car.

The dangers of the road go up when there is snow and slush on the surface. Zylawy felt it was important for people to be aware of the road conditions and their own driving ability.

“We have changing weather conditions all the time and it is incumbent on each driver to make sure that they keep their vehicle under control,” said Zylawy. “Not just for their own safety but for the safety of the other motoring public.”