Florence/Lauderdale Emergency Management Agency gives warning for driving in snow

FLORENCE/LAUDERDALE – With winter storms overhead, it is important to know what is happening in this unfamiliar weather. Snow storms can be dangerous and life threatening, and Florence/Lauderdale EMA Director George Grabryan in an interview with the Quad-Cities Daily, gives tips and concerns for the upcoming night.

George Grabryan says “While road conditions are passable at the moment, bridges are still a concern and that extra care should be taken when driving over any bridge.”Later in the evening and into the night freezing weather will persist and the rain that is currently falling may ice over creating what is known as “Black Ice”. Grabryan insists “Please use common sense when driving,” if conditions seem dangerous it is highly suggested to stay off the road. In the case of medical emergency contact 911 and allow medical professionals to come to your home. If it is imperative and you have no other choice but to drive, here are 10 tips on Winter and Icy road driving.

1. Decrease your speed and leave yourself plenty of room to stop between you and the car in front of you, allow at least three times more space than usual.
2. Brake gently to avoid skidding. If your wheels start to lock up, ease off the brake.
3. Turn on your lights to increase your visibility to other motorists.
4. Keep your lights and windshield clean.
5. Use low gears to keep traction, especially on hills.
6. Don’t use cruise control or overdrive on icy roads.
7. Be especially careful on bridges, overpasses and infrequently traveled roads, which will freeze first. Even at temperatures above freezing, if the conditions are wet, you might encounter ice in shady areas or on exposed roadways like bridges.
8. Don’t pass snow plows and sanding trucks. The drivers have limited visibility, and you’re likely to find the road in front of them worse than the road behind.
9. Don’t assume your vehicle can handle all conditions. Even four-wheel and front-wheel drive vehicles can encounter trouble on winter roads.
10. And finally and most importantly, use your common sense. If your gut is telling there is something wrong, there most likely is. If you cannot see pull over to the side of the road and attempt to wait out the weather.

Check HERE for up-to-date road conditions