More than 450 crashes across Virginia during winter storm: Here’s how you can stay safe
RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- State leaders and driving experts are urging Central Virginians to stay off the road -- but, if you have to get behind the wheel, you're asked to keep these driving safety tips in mind. As Central Virginia endures yet another snowstorm, the Virginia Department of Transportation and AAA is asking drivers to take it slow and keep their guard up on the roads. According to Virginia State Police, from midnight to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, there were more than 450 reported crashes across the Commonwealth, with 42 injuries reported. PREVIOUS: VSP says ‘stay at home’ during Wednesday’s winter storm, 250 crashes already reported According to VSP, 58 crashes of those crashes happened in its Richmond district, with six reported injuries. None of Wednesday's crashes have resulted in death as of the time of reporting. Snowy conditions in Richmond on Feb. 19. (Photo: 8News)Snowy conditions in Richmond on Feb. 19. (Photo: 8News) What to do before you drive during the winter storm: Remove ice or snow Check your headlights Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid Check your battery life Check the tread on your tires Fill up your tank What to do on the roads during a winter storm: Use your headlights Drive slowly Don't tailgate the car in front of you Buckle up If you lose traction while driving, AAA says you should ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go before going back to normal speed. According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), bridges, ramps, overpasses and intersections are the first areas to freeze over. The department urges drivers to be extra cautious in these areas. If you see VDOT crews on the roads, be sure to leave them plenty of room to work. When will the snow storm in Central Virginia end? Wintry conditions are expected to continue overnight into Thursday morning. For the latest road conditions and updates, please call 511 or visit Virginia 511 online. You are asked to only call 911 or #77 if there is an emergency. so that dispatch is available for those in serious need of police, fire or a medical response.
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RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- State leaders and driving experts are urging Central Virginians to stay off the road -- but, if you have to get behind the wheel, you're asked to keep these driving safety tips in mind.
As Central Virginia endures yet another snowstorm, the Virginia Department of Transportation and AAA is asking drivers to take it slow and keep their guard up on the roads.
According to Virginia State Police, from midnight to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 19, there were more than 450 reported crashes across the Commonwealth, with 42 injuries reported.
PREVIOUS: VSP says ‘stay at home’ during Wednesday’s winter storm, 250 crashes already reported
According to VSP, 58 crashes of those crashes happened in its Richmond district, with six reported injuries.
None of Wednesday's crashes have resulted in death as of the time of reporting.
Snowy conditions in Richmond on Feb. 19. (Photo: 8News)
Snowy conditions in Richmond on Feb. 19. (Photo: 8News)
What to do before you drive during the winter storm:
- Remove ice or snow
- Check your headlights
- Check your windshield wipers and wiper fluid
- Check your battery life
- Check the tread on your tires
- Fill up your tank
What to do on the roads during a winter storm:
- Use your headlights
- Drive slowly
- Don't tailgate the car in front of you
- Buckle up
If you lose traction while driving, AAA says you should ease off the accelerator and steer in the direction you want to go before going back to normal speed.
According to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT), bridges, ramps, overpasses and intersections are the first areas to freeze over. The department urges drivers to be extra cautious in these areas.
If you see VDOT crews on the roads, be sure to leave them plenty of room to work.
When will the snow storm in Central Virginia end?
Wintry conditions are expected to continue overnight into Thursday morning. For the latest road conditions and updates, please call 511 or visit Virginia 511 online.
You are asked to only call 911 or #77 if there is an emergency. so that dispatch is available for those in serious need of police, fire or a medical response.
