This week, a fast-moving storm brought one-to-two inches of snow to much of Delaware before giving way to dangerously low temperatures and wind chills. The snow was enough to tangle up the roads on Tuesday morning’s rush hour, resulting in numerous car accidents.
Tuesday night, road conditions turned from bad to worse when temperatures dropped and caused ice to form. Law enforcement said the icy roads were to blame for a fatal car accident that occurred in Philadelphia’s West Oak Lane section on Tuesday night.
Although temperatures are expected to warm up to the mid-30s by the weekend, this certainly isn’t the last dose of winter Delaware will see. That’s why it’s a good idea to revisit some winter driving tips from the Delaware Department of Transportation and AAA that can help keep you safe:
Use caution around snow plows. They tend to travel slower than traffic while putting down salt and throwing snow, which can be dangerous for other drivers. Don’t follow too close to plows or try to pass plows, which DelDOT says is when most accidents involving snow plows happen.
Make sure your car is winter-ready. That means getting your battery and tires checked. An AAA spokesperson said tire pressure drops during the colder months which results in having less traction on the roadways.
Put together an emergency survival kit. The kit should include blankets, gloves, hats, food, water and any medication you may need. Also keep your cellphone and a charger in your vehicle for emergencies, but never talk or text while driving.
Drive slowly when the roads are covered in snow. Accelerate and decelerate cautiously, and give yourself plenty of time to slow down at a stoplight or in traffic. Increase the distance you maintain between your car and the car in front of you.
