Snow Prep: VDOT, VRE Offer Tips for Snow Showers Forecast

The Virginia Department of Transportation is mobilizing crews and equipment in the Fredericksburg area and points north as the region’s first snow event arrives Tuesday morning.

The current forecast calls for a 30-50 percent chance of snow for the Tuesday morning commute in Fredericksburg, with the chances for accumulation increasing as commuters get closer to Washington. The district is expected to see between 1-2 inches of snow.

Winter Weather Driving Tips from VDOT:

• Keep your car’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Leave a few minutes early.
• Start out slowly in the lowest gear recommended by your vehicle’s manufacturer.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing the road.
• Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary.
• VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of road hazards at 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623).

And tips from Virginia Railway Express:

• Wear heavy layered clothing, rugged and dependable all-weather shoes, gloves, hats and scarves.
• Bring snacks and warm beverages with you to work and make sure you have an ice scraper in your car.
• Remember that even though you may only have a few miles to get to the train station, scrape the ice and snow off of your windows and windshields completely. The statistics of injury and accidents are quite large when people fail to take the time to give themselves the best range of vision.
• Remember three points of contact. Use it all the time, not just tomorrow, but make sure you have three points of contact at all times while climbing stairs, boarding the train or while standing or walking on a moving train. The use of the three point rule has saved countless injuries due to slippery surfaces or sudden movements.