Winter storm to bring ice, heavy snow to KY. Stay safe with these driving tips
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- Winter Storm Fern could bring 9–14 inches of snow and icy conditions statewide.
- NWS warns travel could be very difficult or impossible; avoid travel if possible.
- Drivers should slow down, carry a cold-weather kit and control skids proactively.
Winter Storm Fern is expected to bring significant travel hazards to Kentucky this weekend, including between 9 and 14 inches of snow and less than an inch of ice.
In Lexington, there is a 70% chance of more than 8 inches of snow and a 50% to 60% chance of exceeding 12 inches of snow, according to the National Weather Service.
“Travel could be very difficult to impossible,” a winter storm watch issued by the agency Thursday stated. The watch will be in effect all weekend long.
Authorities are recommending people avoid travel. If you must go out, follow road conditions and keep these driving tips top of mind, especially when it comes to black ice and the dangers it poses.
What is black ice and why is it dangerous?
Black ice is a thin, highly translucent layer of ice that can frost over roadways, forming slippery patches that are dangerous and difficult to spot.
The National Weather Service describes black ice as a “deadly driving hazard.” It’s often clear , with the black surface of the roadway visible underneath.
“It is most prevalent during the early morning hours, especially after snow melt on the roadways has a chance to refreeze overnight when the temperature drops below freezing,” according to the NWS . “Black ice can also form when roadways are slick from rain and temperatures drop below freezing overnight.”
Black ice can form on any paved surface with liquid water that freezes, but it can be especially prevalent on bridges, overpasses, the bottoms of hills and stretches of road shaded from the sun. Shaded driveways and sidewalks could also be prone to black ice.
According to auto group AAA, black ice can be spotted in some circumstances — look for glossy surfaces on the road — but most of the time, it’s practically invisible.
The best defense against black ice is to slow down, whether you’re on foot or in a vehicle, according to AAA.
How to drive in snow and ice if you do have to go out
If you can stay home, you should, but not everyone has that luxury. If you must go out, bring a cold weather kit complete with first-aid supplies, a shovel, ice scraper, a flashlight with working batteries, car cell phone charger, sand or cat litter, blankets, water and snacks.
AAA also recommends the following safe driving tips:
- Slow down. If you have to go out, adjust your speed and give yourself ample room between vehicles to stop. Allow at least three times more space than usual between your car and the one ahead. Accelerate, turn and brake gradually — not all at once.
- Cut down on using your brake. If you’re nearing a stop sign, traffic light or other area where ice often forms, brake early on clear pavement to reduce speed.
- Brake first, then turn. Braking while turning can raise the odds of sliding.
- Control any skids. If you do slide on the roadway, don’t panic. Slamming the brake will only make it worse. If you’re in a skid, continue to look at a steer where you want to go.
- Stay alert and watch the traffic ahead. Slow down immediately if you see brake lights, sliding vehicles or emergency flashers. Avoid driving if you are tired, and get plenty of rest before making your trip. Hypnotic falling snow and cold-induced sluggishness can make drivers feel more tired on the road.
- Drive distraction-free. It should go without saying, but don’t text or engage in distracting activities while driving.
- Skip the cruise control. There’s a time and place for that, and a snowstorm isn’t the time.
- Change lanes only when necessary. Changing lanes increases the odds of hitting icy patches, causing loss of traction.
- Don’t power up hills. Gain momentum before you reach the hill. Let it carry you to the top, then reduce your speed and proceed down the hill as slowly as possible. Hitting the gas on snow-blanketed roads can cause you to spin your wheels.
- Know your brakes. Does your car have anti-lock brakes? You might want to check your owner’s manual or if there’s an ABS light on your dashboard. If so and you need to brake quickly, put your foot down hard on the pedal. It’s normal for the pedal to vibrate a bit when the ABS is activated. If your car does not have an anti-lock braking system, keep the heel of your foot on the floor. Use the front part of your foot to regulate pressure on the pedal so that brakes are on the threshold of lockup but still rotating.
If you’re in an accident, clear your vehicle from the roadway if possible and call emergency responders. Exchange information with the other driver once you’re out of traffic.
Turn on your emergency flashers if you get stranded in the snow or your vehicle stalls out. Move the vehicle off the roadway if possible and stay in your car. If you can move your car, stand at a safe distance in the area. Tie something bright to your car’s antenna to show that you need assistance.
If you’re outside your vehicle in the cold, make sure you’ve dressed warmly using layers.
Keep your vehicle’s exhaust pipe clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.