Virginia State Police advise motorists how to prepare for upcoming winter storm

As the Virginia State Police prepares for winter precipitation across most of the Commonwealth, Virginians are encouraged to get ready and plan ahead, too. Forecasts are currently calling for primarily snow across the Commonwealth Friday into Saturday, with some potential for minimal icing in areas of southwest Virginia and Hampton Roads.  There are refreezing concerns throughout the weekend.

Virginia State Police will have increased numbers of troopers and supervisors working in advance of and during the duration of the storm as it makes its way into the Commonwealth. To prevent unnecessary traffic crashes from occurring on Virginia’s highways during the storm, state police advises residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving until weather conditions improve.  This also allows the Virginia Department of Transportation more room to make the roads passable.

If you have to travel during the storm, drivers are reminded to take these safety precautions:

1. Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.

2. Slow your speed.  Though state police works closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.

3. Don’t tailgate.  You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.

4. Buckle Up.  Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.

5. Check Your Vehicle.  Make sure it is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.

6. Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight. 

7. For the latest in road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at http://www.511virginia.org .

Virginians are advised to only call 911 or #77 on a cell phone in case of emergency.  It is essential to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.