VDOT Reports Slick Spots Are Causing Accidents; Drivers Asked to Use Caution

The Virginia Department of Transportation reports icy conditions emerging on roads throughout northern Virginia. Motorists are asked to stay home if possible or use extreme caution as snow is beginning to stick on roads with lower traffic volumes, and interstates and primary roads are becoming deceptively slick.

More than 2,000 trucks will continue to plow and treat interstates and other major routes throughout the night, as well as snow-buried subdivision and side streets that remain impassable from the last storm. VDOT crews and trucks from Hampton Roads, Richmond, Salem, Lynchburg and Culpeper have arrived in northern Virginia to assist in snow removal for this storm.

As crews work throughout the night, drivers are reminded to give plows plenty of room to navigate roads, plow snow and put down chemicals. Drivers should also be aware of narrowed lanes where plows are pushing snow tonight.

VDOT offers the following tips for driving in winter weather:

• Allow extra time to travel to your destination.
• Be aware of potentially icy areas such as bridges, overpasses and shady spots.
• Reduce speed and keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
• Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.
• Practice common sense. Remember that your car cannot start, stop, or turn as quickly and surely on snow or ice as it does on dry pavement.

For the latest road conditions, weather, incident information and traffic camera video, drivers can visit http://www.511virginia.org/. Residents who need to report dangerous conditions on neighborhood streets should send the address, subdivision and county to novainfo@vdot.virginia.gov. They can also call 703-383-VDOT (8368), or 1-800-367-ROAD (7623).

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