VDOT warns drivers to stay off roads with icy conditions in the early morning
With temperatures dropping into the low 20s Friday night and a chance of precipitation early Saturday morning, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is warning drivers to prepare for slick road conditions overnight and into the morning.
A wintry mix of light snow, freezing rain and sleet is forecasted to affect most of the Commonwealth beginning late Friday night and continuing through Saturday morning. VDOT recommends motorists avoid travel between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. when low temperatures could cause icy road conditions.
The agency says they are prepared, and have pretreated roads in many areas, including Staunton, with anti-icing brine on interstates, major primary roads and high-volume secondary routes.
Crews will begin mobilizing between 7 p.m. and midnight to monitor and treat conditions as necessary throughout the night and into the morning.
They have the following recommendations for drivers:
If driving during this period, take extra caution on elevated surfaces, such as bridges and ramps, which tend to freeze first. Road surfaces at these locations may have sub-freezing temperatures longer for this weather event due to recent days with temperatures in the teens and twenties.
Motorists should keep in mind the following safety tips:
• Keep your car’s windows, mirrors and lights clear of snow and ice.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
• Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles and trucks that are plowing or treating the road.
• Don’t pass a snowplow or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Treat these as you would emergency-response vehicles.
• Drive smart and pay close attention. Never text and drive – it’s a secondary offense in Virginia.
You can check the latest road conditions using VDOT's 511 system by phone, web at www.511virginia.org or the free VDOT mobile app.
To report road hazards or ask questions about road issues, call VDOT’s 24-hour Customer Service Center at 800-FOR-ROAD (800-367-7623).
For more information on winter travel, go to the Related Links section of this page.
The Staunton District Twitter feed is at @VaDOTStaunton.
