Driving safety tips to follow if travel is absolutely necessary during Virginia’s winter storm

HANOVER COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Although Gov. Abigail Spanberger (D) has urged Virginia residents to stay off the roads during this weekend's expected winter storms, if you absolutely must travel, here are a few safety tips from local officials.

During a press conference on Thursday, Jan. 22, Spanberger declared a state of emergency for the Commonwealth ahead of the winter storm.

She urged drivers to stay off the roads to allow Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) crews to clear snow, address icy conditions, and clear disabled vehicles and obstructed roadways.

“I am asking all Virginians to stay off the roads as of Saturday night, all day Sunday, through Monday morning,” Spanberger said in the press conference.

AAA has also cautioned drivers to avoid the roads this weekend, if possible, due to potential hazardous conditions.

If travel is absolutely necessary during or shortly after the winter storm, though, the Hanover County Sheriff's Office has multiple safety tips you can follow.

Before you drive, the sheriff's office said you should ensure that your vehicle is winter-ready by checking your tires, fluid, and windshield wipers.

In addition, you should put together an emergency kit for your vehicle that at least includes a blanket, flashlight, windshield scraper and water.

You should also check weather alerts and road conditions before driving.

While on the roads, the sheriff's office said to make sure you take these safe driving tips:

• Slow down: Reduce your speed on icy or snow-covered roads.
• Increase following distance: Allow at least six seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you.
• Avoid sudden moves: Brake and accelerate gently to maintain traction on the road.
• Use headlights early: Increase your visibility even during daylight hours.
• Defrost and clear: Remove all snow and/or ice from your mirrors, lights, windows and roof before driving.

In the event that your vehicle begins to skid, the sheriff's office said to ease off the gas -- do not slam on the brakes. You should steer in the direction you want the front wheels to go. You should also stay calm and avoid over-correcting.