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State Police Advise Motorists to Only Travel for
Emergency Purposes During Upcoming Winter Storm
Published: December 22, 2022
By: Media Release from New York State Police
Blizzard
conditions put motorists at risk, be prepared for a holiday inconvenience
during the upcoming winter storm
22 December 2022
NEW YORK STATE POLICE
Major Vincent T. Lightcap
Troop D Commander
PRESS RELEASE
Troopers will be
out checking all major travel routes to ensure that motorists are as safe
as possible and working with local Emergency Operations Centers.
Extreme winds,
whiteout conditions, and dangerously cold temperatures will make travel
on Friday, December 23, and Saturday, December
24, highly dangerous. State Police advise motorists to drive only for
emergency purposes. If you are on the roadways make sure you have a full
tank of gas, food, and extra warming items in your vehicle in case
emergency vehicles have a delayed response due to the extreme storm
conditions.
Use your best
judgment to determine if driving is prudent. Remember, if you can’t see out
your windshield, first responders can’t either.
Keep the
following tips in mind:
- Get the latest weather forecast before
leaving with your local weather apps, and
monitor radio or TV stations.
- Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY
of any snow and ice before driving.
- Keep a full tank of gas
- Fluid levels are sufficient ( windshield washer fluid, ant-freeze)
- The spare tire is sufficient
and you have the jack and wheel wrench
- Use headlights at
all times to
increase your visibility to others. Remember, if your windshield
wipers are in use due to weather, then your headlights must be
on.
- Drive prudently. If the conditions are
adverse, you should decrease your speed accordingly.
- Brake early
- Do NOT use cruise control. This
decreases your reaction time to apply braking.
- Look out for events farther down the
road. Creating more time to react can make a difference.
- Be aware of maintenance vehicles and
emergency vehicles. Give them room to work.
- If you do not absolutely have to go out on
the roads, then don’t.
If you do go out,
is your vehicle prepared?
- Is your trunk supplied to help you to be safe
in case you are stopped or stranded in an area without assistance
readily available:
- Gloves, blankets, warmers, tool kit,
first-aid kit, non-perishable foods, water, working flashlight and
batteries, cell phone charger, etc
- Shovel, ice scraper, de-icer,
snow brush, rock salt or cat litter, tow chain or cable, jumper
cables or battery charger, etc.
If you are
involved in a Collision or leave the roadway:
If you drive off
the roadway and are stuck in a snowbank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911. DO NOT exit your vehicle
unless it is an absolute emergency. You put yourself at risk of being
struck by another vehicle.
Roll your windows
down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running.
Tailpipes can become blocked by deep snow and cause carbon monoxide to
build up inside the car and can lead to serious physical injury or
death
If you should
become stranded on the Thruway or any roadway, know your location by being
aware of your direction and milepost marker. This will help emergency
personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.
Follow the New
York State Police’s Twitter page @nyspolice for
up-to-the-minute information on road closures and weather alerts.
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