Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Loudoun County Commuters Encouraged to Drive Safety This Evening

A winter weather advisory is in effect for Loudoun County this evening and the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office is reminding motorists that winter driving can be hazardous, especially in our area where we normally receive a mixture of ice, freezing rain and snow.

The National Weather Service is predicting a mixture of rain, freezing rain, and sleet to begin Tuesday evening with little accumulation. The wintry mix is expected to continue throughout the evening into Wednesday morning.

Loudoun Sheriff Steve Simpson is advising motorists to make sure their vehicles are equipped with a well-stocked winter driving kit. “By ensuring their vehicle is properly maintained drivers can keep safe this winter by driving defensively and always buckling up,” said Simpson.

In addition, the Sheriff's Office encourages motorists to:
  • Know the current road conditions. Visit www.loudoun.gov/traffic or www.virginiadot.org/comtravel/eoc/eoc-main.asp. For statewide highway information 24-hours-a-day, call the Highway Helpline at 1-800-367-ROAD.
  • Use brakes carefully. Brake early. Brake correctly. It takes more time to stop in adverse conditions.
  • Watch for slippery bridges, even when the rest of the pavement is in good condition. Bridges will ice up sooner than the adjacent pavement.
  • Don't use your cruise control in wintry conditions. Even roads that appear clear can have sudden slippery spots and the short touch of your brakes to deactivate the cruise control feature can cause you to lose control of your vehicle.
  • Don't get overconfident in your 4x4 vehicle. Remember that your four-wheel drive vehicle may help you get going quicker than other vehicles but it won’t help you stop any faster.
Let's be safe on the roads tonight and this winter. Drive carefully Loudoun County!

The Loudoun County Office of Emergency Management also offers advice for preparing for the effects of winter.

For the latest Loudoun County traffic news and information, subscribe to Loudoun County Traffic via your favorite RSS reader, or get Loudoun County Traffic by e-mail.

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