By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
PLATTSBURGH — As the first real dose of winter weather hits the North Country, police are encouraging drivers to be prepared and safe.
Already, on Tuesday, a number of drivers lost control of their vehicles as the first noticeable snowfall blanketed the Plattsburgh area.
With a bigger snowstorm expected to move across northern New York today, authorities said, basic driving safety can help ensure that drivers make it to their destinations unharmed.
"The biggest thing, obviously, is to slow down and leave a little earlier," State Police Capt. Michael Girard said Tuesday.
"Use due care, and always check the weather forecast."
The National Weather Service in Burlington expects today's storm to dump up to 5 inches of snow in some areas. The mixed precipitation will likely make for messy commutes.
Police say driver attitude is key and that attention must be kept on the road.
Officials advise drivers to have their vehicles prepared for the winter season by checking heaters, headlights, batteries and oil. Vehicles should also have non-freezing windshield wash and properly working wipers.
Drivers can also prepare by stocking their cars with supplies in the event of being stranded. Girard suggests that people pack blankets, flashlights, flares, shovels and warm apparel.
When driving on icy or slush-covered roads, police said, drivers should base their speed on the conditions and leave extra space between cars on the road.
They advise adequately slowing before making turns and say drivers should never slam on the brakes or use cruise control.
"Winter hazards can be the most dangerous of all of the driving situations we face," Troop B Maj. Richard C. Smith Jr. said in a news release.
"More people are involved in crashes during the winter than any other time. I hope by following these tips, we can reduce the number of accidents and the number of people injured."
E-mail Andrea VanValkenburg at: avanvalkenburg@pressrepublican.com
