Drivers Urged To Prepare For Major Winter Storm

With several inches of snow expected on Tuesday, experts are urging people to make preparations if they must hit the road.

Tuesday's winter storm is expected to dump up to 6 inches of snow in parts of the News 9 viewing area, causing roads to be wet and slushy. 

AAA Oklahoma said every winter, hazardous weather plays a role in more than half a million crashes and more than 2,000 traffic deaths across the U.S. With those numbers in mind, AAA advised motorists to do a winter car check ahead of the storm. 

AAA recommends that drivers have their tire pressures checked once a month while the rubber is cold (before driving their vehicles). The recommended PSI for a particular car's tires is usually on a sticker on the driver's side door jamb. 

 "Underinflated tires can generate more heat and the heat is bad on the rubber, and that can cause you to have a blowout, a flat tire, things like that," explained Jason Cravens, AAA fleet manager in Oklahoma City.

Conversely, Cravens said tires that are overinflated can increase stopping distance on slick roads.

Cravens also advises drivers to get their vehicles' batteries and fluids checked before any winter storm since the conditions will make vehicles work harder. In addition, don't forget to charge phones and update contacts.

"If you're not a member, we'll still come and help you. 1-800-AAA-HELP or a local wrecker service," said Cravens.

If drivers do get stranded during Tuesday's storm, Trooper Eric Foster with Oklahoma Highway Patrol recommends having other supplies while they wait for help.

"We're coming on the same roads that you may have lost control on just now," said Foster. "So it may take some time for us to get there. And if that's true, make sure that you have blankets in the car, water in the car, things like that."

Other supplies to pack in a car include a winter emergency kit, which includes a fully-charged phone and charger, ice scraper, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, reflective triangles, flares, shovel, and a bag of cat litter to create traction for tires in the event the vehicle gets stuck.

Besides preparing for the storm, Cravens said it's important to adjust driving habits. This means slowing down, avoid using cruise control on slippery roads, and don't tailgate.

"The Highway Traffic and Safety Board says that four seconds behind a vehicle in front of you is optimal during good road conditions. For what we're talking about (Tuesday), increase it to six, eight, 10 seconds," said Cravens.

AAA also advises drivers to be extremely careful on bridges and overpasses, where black ice usually forms first. Furthermore, motorists should move over a lane for law enforcement and roadside crews.