Motorists reminded of winter weather driving tips
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Jan. 6, 2010) — State highway crews are preparing for snowfall expected to begin in western Kentucky early Thursday and sweep eastward, blanketing a region already gripped by frigid, arctic air.
District highway crews in western and central Kentucky have pretreated roadways with salt brine where possible, a process complicated by the low temperatures. Generally, pavement temperatures above 20 degrees are considered suitable for pretreating. Highway crews in eastern Kentucky have battled light snow daily this week and today were preparing equipment for Thursday’s storm.
“We are carefully monitoring the development of this weather system to ensure our crews are prepared,” Acting Transportation Secretary Mike Hancock said.
Statewide, the Transportation Cabinet has a fleet of more than 1,000 snowplows and ample stockpiles of salt and other snow-fighting chemicals. State and contract crews will be ready to roll as snowfall begins.
Motorists should always use extra caution when driving in winter weather and remember that bridges and overpasses typically freeze before surface-level roadways.
Tips for winter weather driving:
- Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized. Check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers and windshield washer.
- Dress 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 possibly lengthy delays on the roadway.
- Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route.
- Carry a cell phone.
- Equip your vehicle with an emergency care kit. It should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, ice scraper, blankets, nonperishable food, 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 a 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.
The emergency vehicles of Kentucky’s SAFE Patrol — Safety Assistance for Freeway Emergencies — will be dispatched at 4 a.m. daily this week to monitor interstates and parkways for stranded motorists. SAFE operators can be reached at 877-FOR-KYTC (367-5982).
During significant snow and ice events, staffing in the cabinet’s 24-hour Traffic Operations Center (TOC) is increased to coordinate and distribute information throughout the state.
The public can access updated travel and weather information online at www.511.ky.gov or by dialing 511.
