AAA Mid-Atlantic is urging Virginians to stay home during inclement weather on Sunday and Monday cautioning that even if you can drive well in winter conditions, not everyone else can. Don’t tempt fate, AAA warns.
AAA is urging drivers to pay attention to weather forecasts, be prepared for conditions and to remain cautious if they have to be out on the roads.
The forecast continues to change as we get closer to the storm’s arrival with the potential for snow, ice and freezing rain across many parts of Virginia.
A mixed bag forecast like this, along with temperatures around the freezing mark, can mean dangerous and challenging conditions for drivers.
“AAA encourages drivers to know before they go. Stay on top of the latest forecasts and delay travel if you can if winter weather will be impacting your route,” said Morgan Dean, AAA Mid-Atlantic Virginia spokesperson. “Don’t just wait out the storm, wait until the roads have been cleared before setting out.”
It was three years ago this week that a powerful, fast-moving storm dumped snow on the Interstate 95 corridor in Virginia. Several tractor trailers collided in the ice and snow, blocking the interstate.
Drivers and passengers in the lanes behind the crashes spent hours trapped in their vehicles along a 50-mile stretch of the interstate with the temperatures dropping below freezing overnight.
“Those who had well-stocked emergency kits, including water and non-perishable snacks, along with blankets and extra warm weather gear, were in better shape than those who weren’t prepared,” said Dean.
AAA: Tips for driving in snowy and icy conditions
Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t.
Check road conditions. Before you leave, assess the conditions of roads along your route.
Drive slowly. Everything takes longer on ice- and snow-covered roads.
Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids.
Manage a skid. If you lose traction and begin to spin or skid on snow or ice, don’t slam on the brakes. Steer in the direction you want the front of the vehicle to go, until your tires regain traction.
Increase your following distance. Increase your following distance eight to 10 seconds to provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.
AAA: Winter emergency kit essentials
Cellular phone pre-programmed with emergency numbers; charger and extra battery
Blanket or sleeping bag
Winter coat, hat and gloves or mittens
Pack of hand warmers
Bag of abrasive materials such as sand, salt or cat litter for gaining traction in snow/ice
Ice scraper and snow brush
Snow shovel
Flashlight
Jumper cables or battery jump start pack
Warning flares/lights or triangles
Food and water for human passengers and any pets traveling along
First aid kit
Small tool kit and roll of duct tape
AAA: Tips to prepare vehicles for winter weather
Tire tread: Make certain your tires have good tread for adequate traction and are properly inflated. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose one pound of air pressure.
Battery strength: Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35 percent and at 0 degrees outside, battery starting power in 60 percent lower than normal. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery is three to five years.
Fuel up: Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up.
Wipers and fluid: Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition, and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended.
Light check: Make sure all lights (headlights, tail and brake lights, turn signals) are working properly so you can see and be seen in bad weather conditions.
