How to navigate the icy roads of your commute – CBS Baltimore

BALTIMORE (WJZ) – The winter weather on Friday created slippery conditions on the roads after central Maryland was covered in snow.

Maryland Department of Transportation provide some tips Drive to survive in winter weather.

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Before getting behind the wheel, try to delay your commute to give passersby time to learn the road. If you need to drive, allow yourself more time to get to where you’re going.

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Here are some other actions that MDOT recommends Before hitting the road:

• Take the time to remove all ice and snow from your vehicle, focusing on the windows, wipers, mirrors, and lights. You need to see and be seen by others.
• Bring a winter driving survival kit – including a shovel, blanket, water, cables, flares, snacks and a flashlight.
• Before crossing the street, go to GRAPH to view traffic cameras and STORM to see if the snow plow has arrived in your area.
• Check the antifreeze, oil, battery, defrost unit, heater, wipers, and washer fluid level.
• Travel with plenty of gas in the tank.
• Check your tires to make sure they have enough tread. Check air pressure to ensure proper inflation. Use radial ropes or chains in the event of a snow emergency.

When you are driving, MDOT said:

• When the road is covered with ice or snow, absolutely do not drive like when it is clear and the road surface is dry.
• Careful: Four-wheelers are just as susceptible to skidding on ice as two-wheelers.
• Increase the following distance between your vehicle and other people on the road, especially on snowy grounds. Packed ice creates a smooth, glassy surface underneath your tires, making it difficult to maneuver your vehicle. So keep your distance.
• “Don’t crowd plow” – Never pass a snow plow or a salt truck, and especially respect the tractor! A plow is a convoy of trucks lined up across lanes to clear snow. The operator may not be able to see you and your vehicle may get caught on the edge of the snow-covered plow
• First, bridges and ramps are frozen and can be especially difficult to navigate.

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If you are in trouble:

• If you get stuck, don’t abandon your car. The safest place to wait for help is in your car. If your car breaks down, move your car as far from the road as possible and raise the hood. Leave a distress signal, such as a scarf, hanging on the window. Note: If you leave the car, it will be towed, ticketed and fined.
• If your vehicle starts to skid, do not apply the brake. Take your foot off the gas pedal and immediately steer in the direction of the skid.

As temperatures drop overnight, the freezing process can cause pavement and sidewalks to become slippery. If you can, postpone your commute to work tomorrow morning. If you must travel, be careful, take extra time to get to your destination and assume that all wet surfaces are slippery. #mdotsafety #mdWx pic.twitter.com/msx7OsbYeZ

– MD State Highway Adm (@MDSHA) January 4, 2022