When winter weather hits our area, some people might feel uncomfortable driving in it.
Seargant Ronnie Roberts of the Charlottesville Police Department says the first thing that freezes are bridges. “What happens is once the precipitation hits the bridge, it freezes," says Roberts.
When driving down a hill, never lock your breaks, abrupt applications of your brakes will cause the vehicle to slide. Tapping your breaks to slow down is a much safer solution.
Keep in mind that when roadways are icy or snow covered, you should never expect to drive as you would during clear weather or on dry road surfaces.
Rapis movements lead to skids and loss of control. Should your car begin to skid, remember not to panic or slam on your brakes. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.
Even if you maintain control of your car, not everyone else will.
“If you allow a 6 second rule you can see the distance that you put between you and the car in front of you. It gives you enough time to react and maneuver if it's an abrupt application that they make, or they happen to skid out of control.” says Roberts.
When there is a snow storm, make every effort to avoid driving or allow extra time to get where you are going.
