I am Deputy George Bradbury. I work for the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. I am a resident of Harpswell. I live and work among you.
Your monthly warning
The fine for placing snow or slush on a public way is $205. The fine for operating a snow-removal vehicle with inadequate auxiliary lights is $154.
The fine for failing to take reasonable measures to prevent snow or ice from falling off a vehicle is $85 for a first offense and $245 for second and subsequent offenses. Clean your car off before you drive up the road!
November is the month you should be aware of scams for Christmas sales. Beware of online scammers and telephone scams. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Don’t get scammed. Help the local economy: Buy local, not online or at the big box stores.
Black ice?
There is no such thing as black ice. It’s just ice on a black (asphalt) road. And ice, along with snow and slush, is on its way, come hell or high water.
Give yourself more time to get where you need to go in the winter. Leave early if you have to go somewhere. If you don’t absolutely have to go, especially during a storm, stay home until the weather clears. Let the plow trucks work in peace to plow the roads and treat them with salt and sand. Stay out of their way.
Oh, and once the roads have been plowed and treated, it doesn’t mean you can drive faster than normal! Slow down and take it easy. Do the speed limit or below. Use some judgment, please.
In October, you can put on studded snow tires for extra traction. However, studded snow tires will not help you stop. October was also deer month, and they don’t seem to be slowing down or staying out of the road. Be careful while driving.
Deputies and emergency medical services are ready to assist you. Keep them in mind when you see red or blue lights flashing. Slow down when you see them, and if they’re behind you, move over safely.
When the snow falls — and it will — check on your neighbors, young and old. Plan ahead; don’t wait till the last minute.
From my family to yours, happy Thanksgiving! And remember, let’s be safe out there! Don’t get voted off the islands.
The views above are those of Deputy George Bradbury, not of the town of Harpswell or the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.
