Winter driving adjustments

To the Editor;

As the days get shorter and the snow begins to fly, the Bicycle Coalition of Maine wants to remind all drivers to slow down and pay extra attention for pedestrians, people on bikes, and other vulnerable users on our state’s roadways. Speed affects everything from how fast a car can come to a stop to how quickly a moment of distraction becomes a disaster.

Driver visibility is greatly reduced in the dark and during inclement weather. It also can take significantly more time to slow down when the roads are wet or icy. On dry roads, it can take a car driving 35 mph 60 feet to come to stop. On icy roads, that same car may require 600 feet to stop. 

Pedestrians and people on bikes should also take precautions to be as visible as possible while out on the road by wearing bright or reflective clothes. 

We all know that cold, rain, or snow doesn’t stop hearty Mainers from getting outside, so please slow down and help keep us all safe. Learn more about the Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s Slow ME Down campaign here: bikemaine.org/slow-me-down. 

Jean Sideris

executive director 

Bicycle Coalition of Maine

Portland