By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
PLATTSBURGH -- With the first major snowfall expected to blanket the area, police are reminding drivers to always use caution on slick and slushy roads.
"Speed is a big factor," State Police Lt. Charles Potthast said as snow began to fall Tuesday.
"You want to reduce your speed for the conditions."
By slowing down, he said, drivers can stop and anticipate poor roads with much greater success than if they were speeding along.
"If you're going too fast for the conditions, you're not really able to stop.
"And you should leave a lot of space between you and the car in front of you."
Potthast also suggests that residents get their snow tires and windshield wipers checked as soon as possible to make sure their vehicles are winterized and ready for the next few months of packed powder.
"If they start to degrade, that could be another (driving) problem."
Once the winter season gets under way, Potthast suggests drivers keep emergency clothing and supplies, such as road salt, flashlights and shovels, inside their vehicles in case they're ever stranded.
avanvalkenburg@
pressrepublican.com
