FAYETTE COUNTY, WV (WOAY)— We’re in a major weather pattern that’s not letting up. So, if you don’t have to go out, please stay in.
AAA says that gives crews a chance to clear roads without dealing with traffic and people before the next round hits. If you must face Mother Nature, remember to slow down.
“Leave yourself plenty of room between you and the vehicle ahead of you,” said AAA Bluegrass Public and Government Affairs Manager Lori Weaver Hawkins. “Get your foot off that accelerator; it’s safer than trying to brake on slippery roads.”
Hawkins says don’t use cruise control, avoid unnecessary lane changes (that helps to prevent loss of traction), and don’t power up hills or slam on your brakes when you feel like your vehicle is out of control. Gently steer in the direction you want to go until it rights itself. And when it comes to turns…
“Because when you have slick areas — which can happen, especially in those intersections, if you keep trying to brake as you’re going around the turn, that can cause you to go into a skid as well,” Hawkins said.
She says ensure your vehicle has adequate tire tread and the pressure is correct. Put a quarter with George Washington’s head facing downward into various treads on each tire. As long as you don’t see the top of George’s head when you put the quarter into the tire your tread is good. Also, look for cupping or any other worn area.
“If you hit a pothole or something, that might knock the alignment out. Get that checked too,” said the public and government affairs manager. “You want to ensure your tires are rotated when you take it for service so they wear evenly. But the important thing is to keep an eye on that trend.”
And it’s never too late to prepare a winter emergency kit. Go to
https://cluballiance.aaa.com or a AAA retail store to purchase one. Start with abrasive material (kitty litter or sand) for traction, a snow shovel (there are even folding ones), a flashlight with extra batteries, an ice scraper with brush and de-icer for door locks, jumper cables, flares, a reflective vest and triangles. There are also battery-operated warning devices you can set up along the roadside if you break down, get stranded, or slide off the road.
“Mobile phone with you and the charger, warm coat, hat, and gloves. A lot of times it gets bulky if you have a heavy coat while you’re driving. At least throw one into your vehicle if you get stranded,” Hawkins said, as well as a blanket, some bottles of water, and a first aid kit.”
Driving distracted on slippery roads with low visibility is asking for trouble. There are more crashes in the winter due to environmental conditions but often those crashes can be avoided by changing driving behaviors. Hawkins says as we get into these first big storms of the season, people’s winter roadway driving habits are a bit rusty.
“When I see people thinking they can just drive the normal speed, that’s dangerous,” said the public and government affairs manager. “It’s dangerous for them, dangerous for the traffic and the pedestrians around them.”
You can get through this brutal winter with caution and some preparations.
“So if you don’t have to go out — stay in, stay safe,” Hawkins said. “If you do go out, remember to slow down, repair your vehicle, and keep your focus on the roadway.”
