Drivers urged to take care as icy weather hits Central Virginia
VENN
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Central Virginia drivers are asked to take care on the roadways on Tuesday, as the region will be battered with a wintry mix of heavy rain and sleet.
Starting early the morning of Tuesday, Dec. 2, Virginians across the state will see a mix of freezing rain, sleet and even snow, depending on their region.
Central Virginians will mostly just see heavy rain, though sleet is possible, according to our StormTracker8 team.
The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is asking drivers to be careful on the roads, especially during the Tuesday morning commute, as the pavement could ice over quickly.
"As rain changes to freezing rain through Tuesday morning, drivers should prepare for slower commutes and plan to leave early or delay travel and take it slow," the department said.
Here are some safety tips from VDOT about how to drive in icy conditions:
- Drive slower than you normally would and avoid jerky movements, which can make you skid.
- Brake early and gently, as sudden braking can also make you skid.
- Increase your following distance to allow you extra time to stop when needed.
- Should you start to skid, take your foot off the accelerator. Do not hit the brakes.
- For a front-wheel skid: Aim your vehicle where you want to go and gently turn the steering wheel into the direction you're skidding.
- For a rear-wheel skid where you're spinning out: Turn the steering wheel in the same direction that the rear is sliding.
Before you head out, make sure to check road conditions by using Virginia 511. You can download the VDOT 511 mobile app, check it out online or call 511.
If you have any questions, or to report hazardous road conditions, you can contact VDOT's 24/7 Customer Service Center online or by calling 800-367-7623.
