Indiana State Police offer Winter Driving Tips

WABASH VALLEY (WTHI) - The Indiana State Police are warning all drivers to be careful while driving on the snow covered roads, and to only travel if it's absolutely necessary.

During the next two days, snow fall and high wind speeds are affecting much of the Wabash Valley.  This combination can cause visibility to be reduced and road conditions to change quickly.

To help Hoosiers prepare for this winter storm the Indiana State Police are offering the following tips:

BE PREPARED

• Before traveling, check the forecast and let someone know your travel route.
• Keep your gas tank at least half-full.
• Carry a winter driving kit that should include blankets, flashlights, extra batteries, a brightly colored cloth, sand (or cat litter), shovel, candle, matches, non-perishable high calorie food, first aid kit and jumper cables.
• Have a cell phone and charger cord available.
• Slow down on now/ice covered roads.
• Allow extra time to arrive at your destination.
• Clear all vehicle windows of ice and snow.  Remove snow from hood, roof and lights.
• Use extra caution when driving across bridges, underpasses, shaded areas and intersections where ice is slow to melt.
• Avoid abrupt stops and starts.  Slow down gradually.

SHOULD YOU BECOME STRANDED

• Don’t leave your car.  It’s the best protection you have.
• Tie a brightly colored cloth to your antenna
• Roll down your window a small amount to allow fresh air in your vehicle.
• Keep the exhaust pipe free of blockage to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
• Don’t panic.  An idling car uses approximately one gallon of gas per hour.

For road conditions call 1-800-261-7623, or visit the Indiana Department of Transportation website.

Please do not dispatch centers for road conditions.  Telecommunications cooperators can be extremely busy.