The winter season’s most severe lake-effect snow storm is creating dangerous driving conditions all across Western and Central New York.
Triple-A urged drivers to stay home as the storm moved through Friday and Saturday.
Even if you’re a good driver in snow, they point out you can’t control what other drivers might do. If you must get out on the roadways in heavy winter weather, Elizabeth Carey with Triple A of Western and Central New York reminds drivers to slow down, keep an 8-10 second gap between you and the car ahead, and come to a stop before starting a turn, then gently accelerate.
“If you do start to spin out, try to remain calm, apply steady braking, and steer in the direction that you want to go. That should help you avoid a skid,” Carey added.
Triple A’s top roadside service technician, Eric Rogers, said winter storms create the most dangerous driving conditions. He suggests staying with your vehicle if you do end up sliding off the road “stay inside. If you can safely keep it running, keep warm, do that as well. The worst thing to do is to get out of your vehicle and stand on the side of the road, because you are safer in your vehicle.”
Rogers also recommends clearing the tail pipe from any snow or debris periodically to avoid fumes backing up into the car, and crack a window enough to allow air to flow. Call for help and wait inside until they arrive.
Rain and snow showers were expected to continue through the holiday weekend with dryer weather by Monday.
WINTER EMERGENCY KIT
A few key items in your vehicle can make any winter driving emergency safer and more comfortable. Triple A suggests a kit including jumper cables, a flashlight, extra batteries and a small toolkit. Other handy items include a charged cell phone and charger, a windshield scraper and brush, portable shovel, can sand or cat litter to help get out of slippery areas.
For the comfort of the driver and passengers, pack blankets, extra layers of clothing and gloves, hats and scarves, snacks and water. These can increase safety and comfort, especially if there's a long wait for emergency assistance to arrive during a serious snowstorm.
