Icy road conditions led to calling a tow truck. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

Over the past few weeks, I have been fortunate not to have been involved in any accidents. I am one of the lucky ones. I have been involved in wildlife near misses, assisting others and needing a tow. All that happened in November. It also got me a new pair of snow tires for Christmas. It’s not that I hate the snow. I dread the steep learning curve necessary for winter driving.

Recently, on my way to Lake Placid, a car spun out in front of me. I was far enough away to avoid the vehicle. No other cars were involved, and the driver was uninjured. The conditions were greasy and slick. While we waited with the driver for the State Troopers, my passengers and I discussed the basic law, “driving too fast for the conditions.”

According to the New York State Troopers website, Vehicle and Traffic Law section 1180(a): Speed Not Reasonable and Prudent states, “No person shall drive a vehicle at a speed greater than is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and having regard to the actual and potential hazards then existing.”

It doesn’t matter if someone is driving below the posted speed limit, especially if an accident occurs. The law requires drivers to adjust their speed based on actual and potential hazards. As I’m not an authority on traffic violations, I will stop here.

Besides trying to avoid all deer while driving, a few weeks after the above incident, I went to help an acquaintance with a work project. As soon as I saw her steep driveway, I knew I should leave my car at the top. I drove down it anyway. A few hours later, the main roads were getting slick and her driveway had turned to ice. My van decided it needed pampering and a tow. It became a whole neighborhood experience as other cars got stuck while trying to help me. Even the tow truck required assistance in the end. Once my vehicle was safely back on the road, the tow driver said it had already been a busy November.

I am grateful for the local troopers, village police, Good Samaritans and tow truck operators who helped me and others. I encourage people to be mindful of the people driving below the speed limit. They may not be doing it to annoy you, but because they don’t feel the road conditions are safe. Let’s not make it a busy December. Please be careful!