Virginia State Police is preparing for winter precipitation expected across the Commonwealth Friday and Saturday.
The forecast is currently calling for snow across most of the state – with some icing expected in Southwest Virginia and Hampton Roads. In Waynesboro, the forecast is calling for one to three inches of snow.
There are refreezing concerns throughout the weekend as well.
Virginia State Police will have increased numbers of troopers and supervisors working in advance of and during the duration of the storm as it makes its way into the Commonwealth.
To prevent unnecessary traffic crashes from occurring on Virginia’s highways during the storm, State Police encourage residents to postpone travel plans and avoid driving until weather conditions improve. This also allows the Virginia Department of Transportation more room to make the roads passable.
Tips for travel during winter weather
If you have to travel during the storm, drivers are reminded to do the following:
- 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 the Virginia Department of Transportation (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 in road conditions and updates, call 511 on a cell phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org.
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For more coverage, search “Virginia State Police” or “weather” on Augusta Free Press.
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Crystal Graham
