There have been 73 crashes reported in Virginia since the winter storm began to deliver heavy snow and ice throughout the state.
Up to 10 inches of snow is predicted in some areas of the state.
Virginia State Police also reports four injuries but no fatalities to date.
State Police continues to encourage drivers to stay off the roads during the storm and allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews more space to work.
If you must travel in the winter storm, drivers should:
- Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
- Slow your speed. Though state police works closely with VDOT to identify problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm, drivers still must drive for conditions. Slowing your speed gives you more time to safely react and avoid a crash. Drive your vehicle based on your ability to properly maintain control of your vehicle.
- Don’t tailgate. You need increased stopping distance on slick road surfaces. Give yourself more space between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid rear end collisions.
- Buckle up. Most crashes that occur during winter weather are caused by vehicles sliding into guardrails, off the road or other vehicles. Wearing your seat belt protects you from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
- Check your vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for the conditions. Fill up the tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire tread, battery life, etc.
- Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and flashlight.
For the latest road conditions, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to www.511virginia.org
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Crystal Graham
