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AAA Advises Caution as Wintry Mix is Expected

snowy highway

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA, (January 7, 2021) Driving in a winter mix of rain, sleet or snow can turn the roads into a deadly mixture for motorists. AAA reminds motorists of basic safety tips for driving in wintry conditions. “When driving on snow covered or icy roads, motorists often make the mistake of being overconfident since some roadways look clear. This leads to travel at higher than recommended speeds, and when the same driver hits a patch of ice, the results can be devastating,” said Holly Dalby, director of public affairs for AAA Tidewater Virginia.

 

Drivers are urged to heed the following tips:

  • Buckle up! No matter the weather, be sure everyone’s in seat belts or child restraints.

 

  • Winter weather driving kits should include a blanket, ice scraper, flares/reflective triangles, flash light (with extra batteries), jumper cables, bag of abrasive material such as cat litter, shovel, cloth or paper towels, first aid kit, bottle of water and cell phone with a full charge.

 

  • Recovering from a skid without panicking. If you start to skid, stay off the brakes and accelerator and don’t shift gears. Simply look and steer in the direction you want the car to go. When the skid is over you’ll be better able to move the car to a safe spot and calm down before resuming your trip. Never accelerate during a spin. It will only make matters worse.

 

  • See and be seen. Clear all windows and outside mirrors completely, turn headlights to low beam (even in daylight), and search for hazards farther down the road.

 

  • Make smooth moves. Slow down, leave plenty of following distance behind the next vehicle - at least six to eight seconds on slippery roads, and leave an “out” to one side. Accelerate, brake and steer slowly and smoothly. Jerky motions increase the risk of skids.

 

  • Apply Steady Braking. In vehicles with antilock brake systems, keep pressing the pedal firmly and steadily. The antilock system should handle the rest- do not pump the brakes. Pumping antilock brakes will remove any benefits they provide.

 

  • Drive in cleared lanes. Changing lanes unnecessarily puts you at greater risk of hitting a patch of ice between lanes that may cause you to lose control of the vehicle.

 

  • Beware of bridges and overpasses. Bridges, areas under them and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces.

 

  • No cruise control. Don’t use cruise control in any type of precipitation, especially in freezing temperatures.
CST 1016202-80 Copyright © Tidewater Automobile Association of Virginia, Incorporated. All Rights Reserved.
AAA Tidewater Virginia is a member club affiliated with the American Automobile Association (AAA) national federation and serves members in the Tidewater Virginia region (All Hampton Roads cities, including Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Virginia Beach, Hampton, Newport News, Williamsburg; Virginia's Eastern Shore; as well as the following counties: Greensville, Surry, Brunswick, Isle of Wight, Gloucester, Lancaster, Middlesex, Richmond County, Southampton, Sussex, Mecklenburg, James City County, York, Lunenburg, Essex, King & Queen, Mathews, Northumberland, and Westmoreland).