HARRISONBURG, VA (AAA) — With the first widespread storm of the season heading into the region overnight Thursday into Friday, AAA is warning drivers to exercise extra caution during their morning and evening commutes as well as during their weekend travel on Friday.

The forecast continues to change and includes the potential for snow and ice in the state. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Southwest Virginia, the New River Valley, the Roanoke Valley, Central Virginia and parts of Eastern Virginia. Cold temperatures ahead of the storm mean that any precipitation that falls is likely to accumulate and create dangers on untreated roads.

“As is often the case with early winter storms, it is difficult to predict what impact the weather could have on traffic and roadways,” advises Morgan Dean, Public and Government Affairs Manager for AAA Mid-Atlantic in Virginia. “AAA encourages drivers to know before they go. Even small amounts of snow and ice are enough to cause hazardous road conditions.”

Hazardous storms and inclement weather are a factor in about 1.6 million crashes and more than 8,000 traffic deaths every winter, according to analysis of crash data by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety.

“This storm has the potential to be a double whammy, impacting both a morning and evening commute,” says Dean. “Road conditions can change quickly with temperatures hovering around the freezing point.”

The storm is predicted to impact a wide swath of Virginia when many James Madison University football fans could be traveling to Harrisonburg to watch the Dukes play in the Sunbelt Championship Game that’s set for Friday night. There are also numerous holiday events, including the RVA Illuminates Downtown Richmond Skyline lighting celebration, set to take place in communities across the region on Friday evening. 

Stay weather-aware
With the first wintry mix of the season expected in our region, it’s important to note that even experienced drivers may find their winter driving skills have grown rusty, causing them to be over-confident in their ability to maneuver their vehicle on slick roadways. Younger, inexperienced drivers may not have a lot of practice on winter roads. AAA advises all drivers to use additional caution when winter weather hits, impacting road surfaces, visibility, and traffic flow.

With the potential for slick roads, AAA offers the following safe winter driving reminders:

  • Slow down. Adjust your speed and leave yourself ample room to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between you and the car in front of you. Accelerate, turn, and brake gradually.
  • Watch the traffic ahead. Slow down immediately at the sight of brake lights, skidding vehicles or emergency flashers ahead.
  • Never use cruise control on slippery roads. Your ability to slow your vehicle by simply lifting your foot off the accelerator is lost when cruise control is engaged.
  • Avoid unnecessary lane changes. This increases the chances of hitting a patch of ice between lanes, which could cause loss of vehicle traction.
  • Don’t power up hills. Snow and ice typically accumulate more heavily on residential streets where traffic is lighter, and plowing is lower priority. Do not try to power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads may only result in spinning your wheels. Try to get a little momentum up before you reach the hill and let that carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill as slowly as possible.
  • Minimize the need to brake on icy roads. If you are approaching a stop sign, traffic light, or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed rather than waiting till the intersection. Vehicle control is much more difficult when braking on ice-covered roadways.
  • Control the skid. Slamming on the brakes can make the skid even worse. In the event of a skid, ease off the accelerator and continue to look and steer where you want the vehicle to go.
  • Do not brake and turn at the same time. Asking your vehicle to do two things at a time makes it more likely that your tires will lose traction. Brake first, then turn, then accelerate.
  • Know your brakes. If you have anti-lock brakes and need to slow down quickly, put your foot down hard on the pedal. It is normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. If your car is older and does not have an anti-lock braking system, keep the heel of your foot on the floor, and use the ball of your foot to regulate the pressure applied to the brake pedal so that the brakes are at the “threshold” of lockup but still rotating.
  • Drive distraction-free. Do not text or engage in activities that will distract you while driving. If driving with a passenger, ask them to refrain from activities that would otherwise distract you from driving safely.

“AAA’s roadside rescue team stands ready to assist our members should this wintry weather result in the need for an emergency call,” says Dean. “Stay weather aware. If the snow or ice causes roads to become hazardous, stay home if at all possible and wait until the storm clears and the roads are clear to travel.”

Less traffic on the roadways reduces the crash risk for those who must be out. If you are planning to be on the roads either late tonight or in the morning, stay alert, reduce your speed even if roadways appear to be ‘just wet’ and avoid distractions.”

Dean adds that even wet roadways impact stopping distance and maneuverability compared to dry surfaces. In addition, roads that appear wet may harbor icy spots when temperatures are near or below freezing. 

In case of ice or accumulating snow, drivers should ensure their vehicle windshield, rear window, and side windows, as well as exterior mirrors and headlights, are all clear of ice and snow before heading home from their workplace later today.

Remember the Emergency Kit

Whether tonight’s storm impacts traffic or not, the winter season brings a reminder from AAA: now is the time to be prepared for the season. In addition to adjusting their driving habits and ensuring tires have adequate tread and pressure, AAA reminds drivers to prepare for the winter driving by keeping a winter emergency kit in their vehicle at all times. Motorists can purchase an emergency kit at a AAA retail store or at AAA.com or put a kit together on their own. 

AAA recommends that a winter emergency kit include:  

  • Abrasive material (sand, snow melt products, cat litter) or traction mats
  • Snow shovel (folding shovels are available)
  • Flashlight with extra batteries
  • De-icer
  • Ice scraper with brush
  • Jumper cables
  • Extra warm clothing (gloves, hats, scarves), and blankets
  • Reflective vest
  • Warning devices (flares or reflective triangles)
  • Drinking water and non-perishable snacks for both human and pet passengers
  • If traveling with an infant, be sure to pack extra food and supplies
  • First-aid kit
  • Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, adjustable wrench)
  • Mobile phone (and charger and battery backup) 

AAA tips to prepare vehicles for winter weather:

  • Make certain your tires have good tread for adequate traction and are properly inflated. For every 10-degree drop in temperature, tires can lose 1 pound of air pressure.
  • Have the battery checked by a professional to ensure it is strong enough to face cold weather. When the air temperature is 32 degrees, a battery’s starting power drops 35% and at 0 degrees outside, battery starting power is 60% lower than normal. Also, the average lifespan of a car battery is 3-5 years. AAA members can request a visit from a AAA mobile battery service technician who will test their battery and replace it on-site, if necessary.
  • Keep your gas tank at least half-full to avoid gas line freeze-up.

Ensure that windshield wiper blades are in good condition and the wiper fluid reservoir is full. A winter blend of wiper fluid that resists freezing is recommended