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Virginia

More winter weather on the way: VDOT offers driving safety tips

Chris Graham
snow travel
(© Chris Gloster – stock.adobe.com)

VDOT is warning the public that another winter storm with significant possibility of freezing rain will impact much of Virginia beginning Friday evening and continuing into Saturday.

During the storm, if ice is on the roads, VDOT strongly advises against all travel. The public should closely monitor weather reports and road conditions in their area as well as along their route of travel since conditions may change within relatively short distances.

If you must travel:

  • Clear your vehicle of all snow and ice including the roof
  • Give plows room to work. Stay back from VDOT trucks and contract crews
  • Drive for the conditions by reducing speed and increasing following distance
  • Brake gently. Remember, it takes longer to stop in snow and ice
  • Stay in control. Make smooth, precise movements with the steering wheel and anticipate lane changes, turns, and curves well in advance
  • Use VDOT’s free 511 toolsto check road conditions along your route and at your destination

Behind the weather system affecting Virginia Friday into Saturday there is another storm system projected to impact the Commonwealth early next week. Residents should keep a close eye on weather forecasts since both weather systems have the potential to severely disrupt travel over next few days.

VDOT’s Customer Service Center is open 24 hours a day to answer questions and take reports of roadway hazards. Call 1-800-FOR-ROAD (367-7623) or contact online at my.vdot.virginia.gov.

Additional information about winter-weather preparations and response can be found at www.virginiadot.org/travel/snow.asp.

Chris Graham

Chris Graham

Chris Graham, the king of "fringe media," a zero-time Virginia Sportswriter of the Year, and a member of zero Halls of Fame, is the founder and editor of Augusta Free Press. A 1994 alum of the University of Virginia, Chris is the author and co-author of seven books, including Poverty of Imagination, a memoir published in 2019. For his commentaries on news, sports and politics, go to his YouTube page, or subscribe to his Street Knowledge podcast. Email Chris at [email protected].