By Zachary Floiro

OSWEGO, N.Y.–  Snow, ice and the freezing temperatures can wreak havoc on drivers throughout the winter months.

Oswego student Ian Padgett said he was a victim of a winter-related car accident last year and that it was a lack of traction from his car’s worn out tires got him into trouble.

“I hit my brakes and my wheels locked up; I just kept sliding,” said Padgett, “I messed up my passenger door and shattered the window. I had to get a brand new door.”

A&P Automotive manager Mike Silliman said having a set of winter tires on a car is essential to maintaining traction on icy conditions and avoiding accidents.

“The things you gotta think about with tires, it’s not just taking off. It’s your breaking and your cornering, that’s where the accidents happen,” Silliman said.

Salting roads can prevent ice buildup but can provoke fast-spreading rust throughout a car’s body and frame. Silliman said he recommends a thorough, weekly wash to keep a car free from salt, and ultimately free from dangerous rust. 

Silliman said he also recommends packing a small survival kit in the car, in case of mechanical issues stranding a car and its owner.

Essential items in a winter car kit can include the following.

• jumper cables
• a warm blanket
• change of clothes
• shovel
• a flashlight

For more information on winter tires, go to https://www.apautomotiveny.com/.

The Oswego State women’s lacrosse team defeated the RIT Tigers by a score of 15-13 on Monday. With the win, the Lakers move to 2-0 overall while the Tigers drop to 0-1.

Oswego found themselves down early in the game as they trailed 3-1. They would respond though with a 9-0 run led by Toni Laneve and Brigid Regin. While it seemed at times the Lakers would seal the game, the Tigers kept clawing their way back in it. RIT outscored Oswego by four goals in the second half but fell just short.

Regin led all scorers with a game-high five goals while Laneve added a hat trick. Oswego’s Teresa Shattuck played a part in seven of the team’s scores with three goals and four assists.

The Lakers will head on the road for the first time this season to take on Clarkson University on Wednesday. Face-off is scheduled for 4 pm.