Be prepared when driving in winter weather

By Vanessa Overholser - Staff Writer

A deep artic breeze has hovered throughout the Midwest to the eastern seaboard leaving many communities blanketed in snow and ice. Local road department, law enforcement and the Red Cross reminds all drivers to keep safety and preparedness in mind while traveling this winter.

“As it is with driving and traveling, you need to prepare,” said Allen Blair, spokesman for District 9 for the Kentucky Department of Highways. “You need to allow plenty of time to get to your destination.”

The most dangerous thing about winter travel is speed, Blair said.

“You need to avoid being in a rush or in a hurry so you can be safer,” Blair said.

Drivers need to be aware of the places where the road conditions are the worst, he said.

“Bridges, culverts and exit ramps can be icy when other parts of a road are not,” he said. “A good tip while driving is leaving a good distance between you and the person your driving behind. You want to avoid skidding at all costs.”

When weather conditions include a downpour of snow and grey overcast conditions, visibility is difficult, he said.

“You want to be seen on days like this,” he said. “Travel with low beam headlights.”

Blair said drivers should remember to buckle up before heading out on the road.

“Most important tip to keep safe at this time and any other time is wearing seatbelts,” he said. “It is not only the law, it will help you keep safe in a crash.”

If a person feels they are in danger, he or she must contact 911, he said.

“Freezing temperatures and wind chills are killers,” he said. “If you are stuck in the snow keep your tail pipe clear to keep from carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring.”

Drivers should be aware of plow trucks while traveling, Blair said.

“Sharing the road with snowplows can be a bit intimidating,” Blair said. “Be patient. Don’t pass the plow truck, it can be dangerous. They will pull over and let you pass. Be aware that snowplows can cause snow clouds, which can reduce visibility. They are going slower to efficiently move the snow.”

Kentucky State Police Detective Sergeant Rob Prater said drivers should be prepared just in case they get stranded on the side of the road.

“Carry extra clothes,” Prater said. “Wear layers of clothing. If you have a cell phone, take it with you and make sure it is charged.”

If drivers find themselves stranded on the side of the road because of an accident, Prater said he or she should turn off their vehicle and restart it as needed to keep warm.

“It will keep from carbon monoxide poisoning from occurring,” Prater said.

According to the American Red Cross, drivers should

dress in several layers of lightweight clothing, wear mittens and a hat (preferably one that covers your ears).

Other tips include the following:

• Wear waterproof, insulated boots to keep your feet warm and dry and to maintain your footing in ice and snow.

• Minimize travel. If travel is necessary, keep a disaster supplies kit in your vehicle.

• Listen to a NOAA Weather Radio or other local news channels for critical information from the National Weather Service (NWS).

• Winterize your vehicle and keep the gas tank full. A full tank will keep the fuel line from freezing.

“Frostbite and hypothermia are two dangerous and potentially life-threatening emergencies,” according to the Red Cross. “Learn how to care for these emergencies by taking a first aid class.”