The CHIEF December 2020

Interview with Officer Enderli By Alaska Bennett

Recently, we at The Chief had the chance to sit down with Officer Enderli, our school’s resource officer, to ask him a few questions about safe driving, driving in different seasons, and the rules of the road. So here are the tips and tricks he wants to share with everyone. When it comes to driving in winter, since it can be very dangerous with all the black ice, you will notice how different your car drives compared to in the summer. Making sure to drive slower in these conditions is a good start, and keeping a good distance between cars in front of you is a must as well. It takes longer for vehicles to slow/stop on slick roads, so give yourself more time to allow for that. It is also important that, when the temperature drops, you make sure you have a full gas tank to help keep condensation from getting into the tank. You can also practice driving on slick roads by driving in an empty lot away from any other cars. This next tip is applicable to all seasons of driving, but is most important in the winter. Make sure to drive undistracted -- phone usage is high and is a common factor in traffic crashes.Pay attention to your surroundings and keep your phone out of your hands while driving. If road conditions are worse than usual, don’t go out driving unless you have to, dress warm in case something with your car does happen in the winter, and keep your fuel level above half a tank at all times. Keep an emergency kit in your car. If you end up stuck somewhere, it is best if you are prepared and have extra warm clothing, an emergency blanket, a phone charger to contact help, and anything else you think you might need. Have your vehicle serviced prior to winter to ensure you have good tires, brakes, air pressure, and working lights. With these tips, hopefully it will help you drive safely and keep you prepared for another Illinois winter.