Stay safe with these tips for driving in snow

It is looking more and more likely Delmarva will be receiving snow Thursday night and into the weekend — and that could mean a dangerous commute on the way into work.

With the snow comes uncertain road conditions. According to AAA, over 1,300 people are killed and 116,800 people are injured annually on roads impacted by winter weather.

As of 10:23 a.m. Thursday, the National Weather Service called for 1 to 2 inches of snow for the Delmarva Peninsula and, despite the relatively low snow accumulation expected, drivers are still being urged to take caution while driving on roads this weekend.

“Even though there may not be much in the way of snow accumulation, drivers should take extra care on the roads as they are expected to be slick and slippery,” said Ken Grant, manager of public and government affairs at AAA Mid-Atlantic, in a press release. “Road surface condition is the single most important safety factor during a winter weather event."

READ MORE: Snow still on the way for Delmarva

AAA recommends removing all snow from vehicles because the snow can blow off a car and onto another car while driving, adversely impacting the other driver's vision.

Slow down and pay attention to the road while driving, AAA recommends. Don't tailgate, watch for brake lights, don't use cruise control on slippery roads and don't make unnecessary lane changes. It is also important to brake early when approaching a stop.

Lora Rakowski, the public information officer for the Maryland State Highway Administration, said speed limits are set for ideal conditions so it is very important to slow down while driving in the snow.

"We like to give the advice to go slow in ice and snow," she said. "Give yourself plenty of time to get to your destination."

She said drivers need to be re-acclimated to driving in ice and snow so it is very important to be cautious while driving.

Delaying one's start to their travels also gives road crews more time to work on the roads, she added.

Lt. Ed Schreier of the Worcester County Sheriff's Office said if you can avoid traveling during times of winter weather, do so.

"Fewer vehicles on the road makes it safer for emergency vehicles to reach people in need," he said. "If you do have to go out, though, don't speed but we would prefer it if people who don't absolutely have to go out don't."

Schreier added that if you do have to go out, make sure you stay to where snow has been plowed.

READ MORE: Farmers urged to prepare for winter

While driving, she said drivers should pay attention to what snow plow crews are doing.

She advised not to pass a snow plow train, which is a series of snow plows working to clear the road.

"I'm not sure if we will go into major operations where we have snow plows across lanes, but if we do you don't want to pass those," she said. "Basically, they are plowing the snow in front of you and giving you a red carpet ride."

Driving cautiously isn't the only thing one can do to stay safe while being on the roads during winter weather.

Rakowski said making sure the windshield wiper fluid level is topped off is very important to staying safe on the road.

"This will help you clear off any snow, ice or salt residue on your car," she said. "So you can see and be seen."

rghughes@dmg.gannett.com

On Twitter @hughesg19

AAA Mid-Atlantic driving tips

• Remove all snow from your vehicle, including the roof, hood and trunk, so it won't blow and hit another car while driving.
• Slow down. Give yourself at least three times more space than usual between you and the vehicle in front of you and don't tailgate.
• Pay attention to the traffic ahead, especially brake lights, skidding vehicles and emergency flashers.
• Remember that bridges and overpasses freeze first and melt last, so use caution.
• Don't use cruise control on slippery roads. 
• Avoid unnecessary lane changes, as patches of ice could be built up between lanes.
• Don't power up hills by applying extra gas. This can result in spinning tires, so rely on inertia instead and gain some momentum ahead of time. Don't stop on your way up either.
• Minimize the need to brake on ice.
• Control your skid, should it occur, by taking your foot off the brake or accelerator and guiding the vehicle where you want to go. Then begin to accelerate slowly.
• Know your brakes and be aware of the actions you may need to take. 
• Keep an emergency kit in your vehicle should something go wrong.