FARMERSBURG, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — Indiana State Police are reminding drivers of some important steps to take before hitting the road during winter weather events.
Sgt. Matt Ames said drivers need to allow extra time to get to their destinations, also give yourself extra stopping distance at stop signs and stoplights.
Ames also suggests that drivers make sure their vehicle is ready to handle the winter weather, that means checking the pressure in their tires, making sure the battery is in good working order, keeping jumper cables in their vehicle, and make sure the gas tank is full.
Ames suggestions weren’t just limited to the vehicle, he added that drivers need to prepare themselves for the worst possibilities when heading out. So he advised taking precautions like making sure to dress appropriately for the cold weather, have extra clothing, blankets and snacks in the vehicle should you get stranded.
“Sometimes when there’s a bad accident on Interstate-70, particularly in our area, you can be stranded out there for one to two hours,” Ames said.
Ames added that before drivers leave their property, they need to be sure to clear all snow and ice from the vehicle. Allowing for their headlights and turn signals to be visible to other drivers and for license plates to be readable to law enforcement. Ames also said that by clearing all of the snow from the vehicle it prevents sections of snow and ice from breaking off mid-drive and endangering others on the roadway.
