State Police Warn Motorists To Avoid Driving During Winter Storm

NEW YORK - State Police are advising drivers to avoid any unnecessary driving in anticipation of the storm expected to hit the area this weekend.

The upcoming winter storm is predicted to bring several inches of snow to many areas across New York, including Long Island, from Saturday into Sunday.

Police say troopers will be out in force during the storm to provide assistance. They will be working closely and coordinating with local Emergency Operations Centers as needed, and are prepared for the potential increase in storm-related service calls.

Drivers who must travel in the areas impacted by the snow are asked to leave with extra time to make a slow and careful drive to your destination.

Residents are also asked to take into consideration snow accumulation on the roads, the current snowfall rate, the wind, and visibility.

Bridges, as well as exit and entrance ramps, can be icy when other road surfaces are not.

If you do become stranded, stay with your vehicle and in an emergency dial 911. If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency.

Roll your windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running. Covered mufflers can cause serious physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

If you should become stranded on the Thruway or any roadway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker. This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.

If you must travel this weekend, State Police have provided the following additional safety tips:

• Get the latest weather forecast and road conditions before leaving via your local weather apps, radio or TV stations.
• Keep a full tank of gas
• Make sure fluid levels are topped off (windshield washer fluid, anti-freeze)
• Make sure your spare tire is in working condition, and you have a jack and lug wrench
• Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be on.
• Drive prudently. If the conditions are adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.
• Brake early
• Do NOT use cruise control. This decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
• Look out for events farther down the road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.
• Be aware of maintenance vehicles and emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.
• Stock your trunk to help you to be safe in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance readily available:
  • Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit, first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and batteries, cell phone charger, etc.
  • Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer, snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper cables or battery charger, etc.

.Motorists can also check 511NY before traveling at or by downloading the mobile app to check road conditions and features a winter travel advisory system with real-time travel reports and a color-coded map indicating which state roads are clear, wet or snow covered.

The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures on their website at www.thruway.ny.gov, or through their mobile app.

Image via Shutterstock