Winter Storm Driving: Warnings, Tips

Driving in the snow. Driving in heavy snow. That's what Hudson Valley commuters may be facing Thursday morning as the area’s first significant winter storm is expected to start late this evening into Thursday.

Latest forecasts show the potential for over an inch of snow an hour during the morning commute.

The New York State Police from Troop K, covering Columbia, Dutchess, Putnam and Westchester Counties, would like to remind motorist to use extreme caution, if they have to travel the roadways tomorrow during the winter storm.

This weather event will make roadways slick, snow covered, and unpredictable. Motorists are encouraged to avoid all unnecessary travel, state police said.

If you must travel:

• Slow down. Always allow extra time for your commute.
• Before driving your vehicle, clean snow, ice or dirt from the windows, headlights, and tail lights.
• Leave extra space between you and the vehicle in front of you.
• Make sure your car is stocked with survival gear like blankets, shovel, flashlight with batteries, extra warm clothing, snacks, jumper cables, and tire chains if you have them. An extra bottle of washer fluid should also be available.
• Keep your gas tank as full as possible in the event that you are stranded or stuck in traffic.
• Plan ahead by checking your tires for quality tread and proper inflation.
• Additionally, replace worn windshield wiper blades.
• Keep your cell phone battery charged and keep it with you whenever traveling. If you should become stranded, you will be able to call for help, advising rescuers of your location.
• Make sure someone knows your travel plans and routes. For road conditions, traffic, travel and transit info, use http://511ny.org/ or call 511.
• Follow road closures and weather alerts on http://www.nyalert.gov/

• Maintain your car properly. Keep your car in tip-top shape. Make sure your battery, tires and windshield wipers are in good condition, and check anti-freeze levels regularly. Consider these cold weather car tips to help get your car ready for wintry roads.
• Plan your route. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration says it’s important to plan ahead before you head out into wintry conditions. Don’t just program your GPS; review maps and take note of difficult turns and intersections, so you aren’t taken by surprise.
• Practice driving in wintry weather. Practice makes perfect, and that goes for driving in wintry conditions, too. The NHTSA suggests that you find an empty parking lot and rehearse driving maneuvers—carefully!
• Drive slowly. Moving too fast on icy roads can make it more difficult to stop your vehicle when you need to, so watch your speed and be careful.
• Know your brakes. Handling your vehicle correctly is key to surviving spinouts. If you have an anti-lock braking system (ABS), as most newer cars do, apply strong and continuous pressure. If your vehicle isn’t equipped with anti-lock brakes, pump on the brakes intermittently—do not slam on your brakes, as this could cause your car to skid.
• Keep your distance. Slick surfaces require a longer stopping distance, so keep a greater-than-usual distance between your car and other vehicles.

PHOTO via the Allstate blog