ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR) – The Virginia State Police (VSP) is preparing for winter weather just like much of the Commonwealth and advises Virginians to do the same.
The current forecast is calling for more snow to come across the Commonwealth on Friday into Saturday. There are also possibilities of some icing in some areas in southwest Virginia. Refreezing is also possible over the weekend.
VSP is increasing the number of troopers and supervisors ahead of and during the storm. To avoid crashes on highways, VSP is advising residents to postpone travel plans and avoid until weather conditions improve.
This will give the Virginia Department of Transportation room to make the roads safer and drivable.
Drivers are reminded to consider the following if they choose to travel:
- 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 work 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 more information on road conditions and updates, you can call 511 or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at www.511virginia.org.