Virginians should stay off the roads even once snow stops falling: VDOT

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- Even once the snow stops falling, Virginians should still avoid driving if possible until the state's roadways have been treated again, as a refreeze is expected.

Virginia saw its second snowfall of the season on Monday, Dec. 8, prompting school districts and government offices alike to close in favor of another snow day.

Forecasts currently indicate that this wintry weather should be on its way out after Monday night. However, that doesn't mean its impacts aren't sticking around.

The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) warns that, as both air and road temperatures are expected to drop overnight, the remaining snow on Virginia's roadways will freeze, creating hazardous road conditions -- especially during the morning commute.

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Virginians are thereby asked to avoid travel unless it is absolutely necessary, per a VDOT press release. If you must drive, you should use extreme caution.

Ahead of the first winter storm of the season on Friday, Dec. 6, Virginia State Police (VSP) provided a list of detailed tips on how to stay safe and avoid crashing when driving during these conditions. Those tips are as follows:

• Don’t tailgate. By giving other vehicles more space, you and others have more time and space to react and stop when needed.
• 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.

You can check road conditions before you get behind the wheel via Virginia 511. You can do so online, using VDOT's free 511 app or by calling 511.

VDOT crews will continue to patrol and treat state-maintained roads against this freeze with salt and sand, according to the release.

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Notably, VDOT prioritizes high-traffic roads first when it comes to snow treatment and removal. This means its crews first tackle Interstates and most primary roads, as well as major secondary roads that are either high-traffic or used to access vital emergency and public facilities. Low-volume secondary roads, as well as subdivision streets, are treated last.

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.