Virginians asked to stay off the roads during incoming winter weather

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Virginians are asked to stay off the roads if possible on Friday due to incoming wintry weather, with snow, freezing rain and ice set to make driving hazardous.

Starting in the early morning hours of Friday, Dec. 5, snow will fall over much of Central Virginia, as well as many other parts of the state. Those who do not get snow will still see rain.

Combined with freezing temperatures, this wintry weather will make driving dangerous, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) -- especially during the Friday morning commute.

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Those who can avoid traveling on Friday should do so, VDOT said. If you must get behind the wheel, you should use extreme caution. Drive more slowly, give others more space and allow for extra time to get to your destination.

Virginia State Police (VSP) provided a list of detailed tips on how to stay safe and avoid crashing when driving during these conditions:

• Check your vehicle before you get behind the wheel. Ensure that your vehicle is in good working condition. Examples of things to check include your windshield wipers and their fluid, your tire tread and your battery. Fill up your gas tank ahead of time.
• Clear all snow off your vehicle before driving. Snow can blow back onto your or others' vehicles, impacting your or their vision.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Make sure you have a window scraper, a blanket, bottled water, a snack, a cell phone charger and a flashlight.
• Buckle up. Most winter weather-related crashes involve vehicles sliding into guardrails, into another vehicle or off the road. If you have your seatbelt on, you are protected from being thrown around or out of your vehicle, which could cause serious injury.
• Use your headlights. Having your headlights on increases your visibility while also making it easier for others to see you.
• Take it slow. Driving more slowly gives you more time to react if you start to skid or spin out. Those precious seconds can be the difference between crashing and safely recovering control of your vehicle.
• Don't tailgate. By giving other vehicles more space, you and others have more time and space to react and stop when needed.

You can also check Virginia 511 for real-time road conditions before you head out. You can do so online, via the free 511 app or by calling 511.

MORE: How to prepare your car for wintry mix heading to Central Virginia

VDOT crews have already pretreated all Interstates and major routes. Once the wintry weather hits, these crews will pivot to trying to keep roads as safe as they can. They will prioritize Interstates, limited-access roadways, primary roadways and secondary roadways that either serve vital emergency and public facilities or have high traffic volume.

Snowplows will be deployed on roads with 2 or more inches of snow accumulation. Drivers are asked to give snowplows, as well as trucks treating the road, several car lengths of follow distance. You should also not pass snowplows.

If you have any questions, or to report hazardous road conditions, you can contact VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center by visiting my.vdot.virginia.gov or calling 800-367-7623.