Heavier snow to cause poor visibility this afternoon with roads expected to freeze tonight
SMYRNA, Del. — The Delaware Department of Transportation and Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) are issuing a travel advisory for this afternoon and evening due to poor visibility from heavier snowfall and freezing on road surfaces tonight as temperatures drop. The advisory is not an official Level 1 Driving Warning, but is meant to caution motorists of adverse weather conditions and to stay off roads if possible. If driving is necessary, motorists are urged to use caution and common sense.
“DelDOT crews have been working throughout the storm to clear and treat roads across the state, however, falling temperatures and continued snowfall will cause roads and bridges to be icy as the day progresses,” said Secretary of Transportation Nicole Majeski. “Please slow down and adapt your driving to the conditions if you must be out.”
The National Weather Service is forecasting snowfall rates that cause reduced visibility for motorists and temperatures to drop below freezing tonight. This will create hazardous driving condition across the area. DelDOT crews are working to clear the roadways, but many secondary routes will remain slippery and snow-covered.
Winter Driving and Safety Tips:
- Make sure that your windshield is completely clear of snow and ice and that you also clear snow off the top of your vehicle and the bed of your pickup trucks.
- Once on the road, take it slowly. Travel at or below the posted speed limit.
- Leave plenty of space between you and the car in front of you. If you’re too close, there will not be enough time to react if that person loses control of his vehicle.
- Turn on headlights so other drivers can see you. It’s Delaware law to use headlights in conditions of poor visibility. Low beams provide better visibility than using high beams.
- Apply brakes carefully, especially on hills and exit/entrance ramps. Allow for more stopping distance.
- Bridges and overpasses freeze faster than other road surfaces. There might be ice you cannot see.
- Pay extra attention when approaching intersections. Watch for cars that don’t have the right of way. Even though you are taking precautions, you need reaction time in case other drivers go through a stop sign or stop light.
- Wear your seatbelt. If you are involved in a wreck your seatbelt will help you keep control of the vehicle and improve your chances of escaping serious injury or death by nearly 50%.
- If your vehicle starts to skid, don’t panic. Don’t hit the brakes hard. If your car has anti-lock brakes (ABS), apply steady pressure to the brakes, shift the car or truck into neutral and steer in the direction you want your car to go until the skid is over. If you don’t have ABS, apply pressure to the brakes, just short of locking them up, release the pressure, and then re-apply at a lower level.
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Delaware Emergency Management Agency (DEMA) is the lead state agency for coordination of comprehensive emergency preparedness, training, response, recovery, and mitigation services to save lives, protect Delaware’s economic base and reduce the impact of emergencies. DEMA is a division within the Department of Safety and Homeland Security (DSHS) and authorized by Delaware Code, Title 20,Chapter 31 §3101-3130.
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