Virginia agencies offer caution, resources for motorists

Published 2:41 pm Sunday, December 9, 2018

Virginia State Police (VSP) and the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) are encouraging people to avoid travel, citing worsening road conditions and numerous vehicle accidents throughout Central Virginia.

“As of 1 p.m. Sunday (Nov. 9), Virginia State Police are responding to 32 traffic crashes in its Richmond Division; 14 crashes in its Appomattox Division; six crashes in its Wytheville Division; and 13 crashes in its Salem Division,” the release from VSP cited.

Prince Edward County, Cumberland County and Buckingham County are included within the Appomattox Division.

“The majority of the crashes involve only damage to vehicles,” the release cited. “No traffic fatalities have been reported at this time.”

For those who must drive, VSP offers the following tips:

Slow Your Speed. Whether the roads are icy or just wet, surfaces are still slick and can cause a driver going too fast for conditions to lose control.

Stay Alert. Avoiding distractions – phone, radio, food, etc. – and focusing strictly on your role as a driver and on the other vehicles around you significantly increase your chances of avoiding a crash. Multi-tasking while driving puts yourself and others at risk. Also be alert to changing road conditions and share the road responsibly with all types of vehicles.

Buckle Up. Drivers and passengers should always buckle up for safety. If you lose control on a slick roadway and spin out, the seat belt holds you in place and will likely save your life.

511 for Road Conditions. Needing to know if it’s safe to travel? Then call 511 or visit www.511virginia.orgor download the 511 App. Only call 911 if it’s an emergency and not for road conditions.

According to VDOT officials, crews are working around the clock to plow and treat roads in affected areas.

“Crews focus on treating interstates and primary roads first, then major secondary roads with vital emergency and public facilities, and then other secondary roads and subdivision streets,” officials cited. “As drivers encounter slow-moving equipment such as snowplows, please slow down and allow operators the right of way.”

If possible, motorists should avoid unnecessary travel throughout Sunday as the storm continues. If travel is a must, tune to your local weather for the latest forecast, and check 511 for current road conditions before getting on the road. Due to the timing of snow and below-freezing temperatures forecast for overnight Sunday, some treated roads may refreeze and create a hazardous commute on Monday morning.

VDOT encourages drivers to be in the know about traffic activities through the following: