AAA urges motorists to exercise caution in snowy weather

With a winter storm delivering a mix of freezing rain, snow and blowing winds expected across the state beginning Wednesday, motorists are being advised to stay off the roads. 

Experts say if you have to venture out for work or for an emergency, be prepared and pay attention to your surroundings. Lisa Wall, senior promotions and communications manager for AAA, said a calm reaction to unexpected slick spots can have a safer outcome.  

“You don't want to slam on your brakes when you're driving,” Wall said. ”If your car does begin to skid you want to always try to continue to steer in the direction that you want the car to go.”

Drivers should check their vehicle’s tires and fuel level before hitting the road.

“So if you’re going to be out driving, making sure that your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of tread to navigate these roads and then making sure you have at least a half a tank of fuel in your vehicle at all times just in case if something were to happen and you were to get stranded out on the road you'd have fuel to keep yourself warm,” Wall said.

Wall said another necessity is an emergency kit in the car for long and short distance trips.

“First and foremost you want to have cold weather gear; hats, gloves, blankets, warm clothing, flashlight, a scraper for your glass and then maybe even some extra food and water,” Wall said. “Or  medications that you might need should something happen.”

Wall said planning ahead to give yourself plenty of time, driving at a slow pace and creating distance between the driver in front of you will help avoid collisions.

Contact WFYI All Things Considered newscaster and reporter Terri Dee at tdee@wfyi.org. Follow on Twitter: @terrideeisme.