Old man winter has returned creating dangerous conditions for drivers. Lieutenant Witt from DPS provided many useful tips on how to not only drive safely in these conditions but certain places to avoid and how to prepare your vehicles.
“Give your vehicle time to thaw out, your windshield, the side windows, if you have those window protectors put those on tonight before the ice starts so you can remove those.”
This will ensure that you have a clear view before you begin driving and don’t forget that seatbelt.
“Before you ever pull out of the driveway put that seatbelt on, not only is it the law but it could save your life.”
He says that rain should always have you slowing down but with the cooler temperatures like tonight he says you’ll want to also watch out for ice.
“With the rain it’s still going to be a little slick, but as it starts freezing tonight, overpasses and bridges and even underneath the overpasses where the sun didn’t hit and the road didn’t get very warm, those are going to be your problem spots.”
It’s important to be careful when approaching intersections.
“As you’re coming up to intersections and stuff you need to start slowing down a little bit sooner and just take your time if you have to get out.”
A last tip to remember is that while you are driving in these conditions there are those that are working in them.
“If you see the road workers out tonight like TxDOT and their plows and stuff give them room and move over and let them go by. They have a dangerous job so lets give them courtesy and slow down as we go around those trucks tonight.”
