State Police Call on Motorists to Drive Cautiously During Snowstorm

As snow has begun to fall and accumulate in the Hampton Roads Area, Virginia State Police continue to urge commuters to avoid travel and to allow the Virginia Department of Transportation and other emergency crews room to work on the roadways.

Since midnight, there have been 208 incidents, three crashes, with one reported with non-life-threatening injuries.

There have been no fatal crashes in this storm.

If you must travel, drivers are reminded to do the following:

• Use headlights. Increasing your visibility helps you to avoid slick and dangerous spots on the road, as well as helps other drivers see you better.
• Slow your speed. Though state police will be working closely with the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) to identify any problem areas on Virginia’s highways during a winter storm. Drivers are reminded to drive for weather and road conditions. Slowing your speed allows more time to safely react and avoid a possible crash. Maintain control of your vehicle at all times.
• Don’t tailgate. Increased stopping distance and be aware of slick road surfaces. Allow yourself a safe stopping distance between vehicles traveling ahead of you to avoid a rear end collision.
• Buckle Up. Wearing your seat belt protects you and your passengers from being thrown around the inside of your vehicle and suffering serious injury in a crash.
• Check Your Vehicle. Make sure your vehicle is in good working order for weather conditions. Fill up the gas tank in advance. Check windshield wipers, windshield wiper fluid, tire treads, battery life, etc.
• Don’t leave home without a window scraper, blanket, bottled water, snack, cell phone charger and a flashlight.

For the latest in road conditions and updates,  dial 511 on a cellular phone or go online to the VDOT Virginia Traffic Information Website at https://511.vdot.virginia.gov.

Commuters are advised to only call 911 or #77 on a cell phone in case of emergency. It is essential to keep emergency dispatch lines open for those in serious need of police, fire or medical response.