Winter Weather On Its Way: Five Tips For Driving in Snow and Ice

Reston is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 26, with the forecast calling for "a chance of rain, freezing rain and sleet before 9 a.m., then rain or freezing rain between 9 a.m. and noon, then rain after noon. The rain could be heavy at times. High near 37 [degrees Fahrenheit]. South wind five to seven miles per hour becoming east in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 100 percent. Little or no ice accumulation expected. New sleet accumulation of less than a half inch possible," according to the National Weather Service. 

The Snow and Ice Management Association, a North American organization representing snow management professionals, has released a list of five tips to stay safe while driving in winter weather.  

TIP #1: Check weather reports. Before starting on your road trip, check the weather report. If it already has started to freezing rain, sleet or snow, listen to the news to hear about your local road conditions before leaving your home. If the roads are hazardous, consider staying home.

TIP #2: Be prepared. Just like the Boy/Girl Scouts, you need to be prepared for whatever weather you run into. Be sure you have an ice scraper and snow brush in your car--not in the trunk, as snow and ice may make difficult to open the trunk. Have a full tank of gas, check the tire pressure, battery, oil. Take snow clothing--boots, gloves, hats, scarves, etc. for all those traveling with you. Be sure your cell phone is charged before leaving home and take a car charger.  Carry a safe winter car kit containing items such as kitty litter, rock salt, a shovel, a blanket, flares, water, etc. 

TIP #3: Stay back. Make sure you remain a good distance away from snow removal equipment. While the strong lights on the snow removal equipment should allow the professional to see you, these lights can be blinding if they are behind you. In addition, some trucks may be spreading salt or other materials designed to melt snow and ice and you don't want those materials on your windshield further blocking your ability to see.

TIP #4: No need for speed. You know to slow down in the rain but this is even truer in snow and ice. The time you need to stop, the possibility of sliding on ice all increase when it starts to snow or when freezing conditions persist.

TIP #5: Watch for refreezing. With temperatures in flux at this time of the year, snow or ice that melts the next day may refreeze on the roads overnight. So once you arrive at your destination, be sure to check the weather forecasts for the nighttime temperatures to know if you might be encountering ice on the roads during your visit or on your way home.

Following these tips will help ensure that you arrive safely at your 2013 Thanksgiving destination to celebrate the holidays with your loved ones.

For more snow and ice removal tips, visit SIMA. 

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