Virginia State Police urge caution as winter storm approaches

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the approaching winter storm, Virginia State Police is asking residents across the state to keep safety in mind. State police are encouraging Virginians to prepare and plan ahead as precipitation gets ready to move across the Commonwealth, which is expected to begin Friday evening going into Saturday. According to state police, there will be an increased number of troopers, as well as supervisors, who will be working during the storm in efforts to prevent traffic crashes from taking place on Virginia's highways and roads. Police are urging residents to delay travel plans and avoid driving until severe weather conditions are lifted, allowing the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) the capacity to make the roads more drivable. If you must travel during the winter storm, VSP would like to remind drivers to consider the following: Use your headlights: This will increase visibility to assist without avoid slippery spots on the road. In addition, this helps other drivers see your vehicle as well. Drive slowly: VSP and VDOT will be working closely to locate problem areas on the highways during the storm. Driving slowly will give more time to react and possibly prevent a crash. Do not tailgate: Give room for a safe stopping distance to avoid rear-end crashes. Buckle Your Seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt can protect you from being thrown inside of your car and from undergoing serious injuries. Check out your car: Ensure your car is in good working conditions, fill-up your gas tank, check the windshield wipers and wiper fluid, tire tread and battery life. Don't leave the house without: window scraper, blanket, water bottles, cell phone charger and a flashlight. For the latest updates on road conditions, please call 511 or visit the website.

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- With the approaching winter storm, Virginia State Police is asking residents across the state to keep safety in mind.

State police are encouraging Virginians to prepare and plan ahead as precipitation gets ready to move across the Commonwealth, which is expected to begin Friday evening going into Saturday.

According to state police, there will be an increased number of troopers, as well as supervisors, who will be working during the storm in efforts to prevent traffic crashes from taking place on Virginia's highways and roads.

Police are urging residents to delay travel plans and avoid driving until severe weather conditions are lifted, allowing the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) the capacity to make the roads more drivable.

If you must travel during the winter storm, VSP would like to remind drivers to consider the following:

  • Use your headlights: This will increase visibility to assist without avoid slippery spots on the road. In addition, this helps other drivers see your vehicle as well.
  • Drive slowly: VSP and VDOT will be working closely to locate problem areas on the highways during the storm. Driving slowly will give more time to react and possibly prevent a crash.
  • Do not tailgate: Give room for a safe stopping distance to avoid rear-end crashes.
  • Buckle Your Seatbelt: Wearing a seatbelt can protect you from being thrown inside of your car and from undergoing serious injuries.
  • Check out your car: Ensure your car is in good working conditions, fill-up your gas tank, check the windshield wipers and wiper fluid, tire tread and battery life.
  • Don't leave the house without: window scraper, blanket, water bottles, cell phone charger and a flashlight.

For the latest updates on road conditions, please call 511 or visit the website.