Wintry weather driving tips

SALISBURY, Md. — As we heard from our weather team earlier, winter weather is here, including some instances of snowfall. We spoke with the Maryland Department of Transportation about how to stay safe on the roads in these conditions.

Shanteé Felix, media relations manager at MDOT, said, “As the weather gets colder and there’s a chance of snow and snow showers, what’s key for us — for the public to know — is to take it slow on ice and snow.”

Maryland highway officials said the speed limit is set for ideal weather conditions, not wintry weather.

“If you go out there and it’s raining or snowing or it’s sleeting, you want to probably drive 10 to 15 miles per hour slower than the speed limit. That’ll increase your chances of getting to your destination safely,” Felix said.

First, don’t tailgate cars ahead of you, as it’s easy to skid on icy roads. That also applies to state transportation equipment.

“Think that we’re maybe rolling out a red carpet for you and try to stay three to four car lengths back from our equipment,” Felix said.

It’s also important to keep a pre-travel checklist and carry a winter driving survival kit outfitted with a shovel, blanket, jumper cables and more. Drivers should also check their vehicle’s levels, including antifreeze, defroster and washer fluid, and tire air pressure.

Be sure to remove all snow and ice from your vehicle so that it doesn’t block your vision or cause an accident for someone else. If you get stuck, the safest place to wait for help is in your car.

Felix said, “If you have concerns about driving in the winter weather and you can delay travel, that’s probably best. But if you do have to be out there, again, take it nice and slow.”

The most dangerous places to drive when it’s cold are bridges and overpasses because they tend to freeze first.