AAA warns drivers of heightened ‘crash threat’ with winter storm in region

With several inches of snow forecast for Rhode Island on Monday night and Tuesday, slick and icy road conditions greatly increase the risk of crashes. AAA is urging drivers to take it slow and be prepared by carrying an emergency roadside kit in their vehicles if they need to travel.

Dangerous winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths in an average winter, according to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety. Close to half of all crashes involving bad weather take place in the winter.

“We urge drivers to watch for slippery conditions today,” said Mary Maguire, vice president of public and government affairs at AAA Northeast. “Snow and sleet can cause significant safety problems by reducing visibility and making it difficult to safely maneuver or stop … and if you’re headed to the airport, check with your airline before you leave home.”

AAA recommends the following tips while driving in snowy and icy conditions: 

• Stay home. If you really don’t have to go out, don’t. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: it takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance. Allow five to six seconds of following distance between your vehicle and any vehicle in front of you. This space allows you time to stop safely if the other driver brakes suddenly.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal. Don’t pump the brakes.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads just starts your wheels spinning. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.

“More than 40% of motorists do not carry an emergency kit in their vehicle,” Maguire said. “Drivers attempting to brave bad weather should remain cautious and always be prepared by packing an emergency roadside kit.”

— Jason Vallee