Office of Highway Safety offers winter weather driving tips
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 7, 2009) — Kentucky Transportation Cabinet snow and ice crews are working to treat roads impacted by light snowfall and icy conditions in parts of the state.
Crews are spot treating roadways in 48 counties in the Elizabethtown, Louisville, Covington, Lexington, Jackson and Manchester highway districts. Crews in the Pikeville district are treating roads.
“This is our first taste of wintry weather this season,” said Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock. “It’s a good time to remind ourselves of the important tips that can help make this a safe winter on Kentucky roads.”
Motorists should always use extra caution when driving in winter weather and remember that bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.
Motorists should remember these tips while driving in snow and ice:
- Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers and windshield washer.
- Dress warmly for the weather –in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected emergencies.
- Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.
- Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. It should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.
- Check the forecast and call 511 or visit 511.ky.gov for the latest condition reports before traveling. Avoid nonessential travel if conditions are dangerous.
- Drive carefully. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Do not use cruise control.
- Remember that bridges and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other areas are not.
- Stopping in snow requires more braking distance than stopping on dry pavement – up to four times more distance. Make sure to put plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
- Be visible. Dull, cloudy days will cut down on visibility, so drive using low-beam headlights.
- Steer into the skid. Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.
- During significant winter weather events, the KYTC will provide media outlets with updated road condition reports throughout the day and night.
Road conditions are described as follows:
- Wet pavement – Ice could form as temperatures drop.
- Partly covered – Markings may be obscured by snow, slush or ice.
- Mostly covered by snow, slush or ice.
- Completely covered by snow, slush or ice.
- Impassable – Conditions unsuitable for all but emergency travel.
The Kentucky SAFE Patrol – Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies – operates seven days a week on Kentucky interstates and parkways. SAFE Patrol drivers are equipped with blankets, shovels, reflective cones, auto fluids and other equipment to get motorists back on the road safely. Motorists can request SAFE Patrol by calling 1-877-FOR-KYTC (1-877-367-5982).
Hancock said highway crews will work around the clock until roads are clear during snow and ice events.
If a winter storm hits, staffing in the Traffic Operations Center (TOC) is increased to aid in coordination and distribution of information throughout the state. The TOC, which operates around the clock, keeps highway districts informed of weather and roadway conditions and of actions such as pre-treating, treating or removing snow.
More highway safety tips are available at http://highwaysafety.ky.gov/.
