As Kansas prepares for a potential 3 to 5 inches of snow Friday and Saturday, the Kansas Highway Patrol and Kansas Turnpike Authority are advising motorists to be ready for winter driving conditions.
To stay aware of what conditions are like on roads around the state, travellers are urged to utilize the Kansas Department of Transportation’s KanDrive website. The site allows users to view maps of road conditions and closures. You can also call 511 for road conditions around the state as well.
The agencies advise being prepared for delays. They also recommend taking care of any necessary maintenance on your vehicle prior to the storm, such as checking your tire pressure and tread. Residents are also advised to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle as well as a full tank of gas and to clean off all windows, mirrors and lights to ensure you have the best visibility you can.
They also provided a list of advice to keep in mind while on the road:
- Accelerate and brake gently, and increase following distance between you and other vehicles.
- Steer in the direction you want to go if you lose traction and begin to slide off the road.
- Do not use cruise control when traveling in wet or snowy conditions.
- Use your headlights. They will make your vehicle more visible to others, and will help you see.
- Always buckle up and ensure your children are in appropriately-fitted child safety seats.
- If you do become involved in a non-injury crash, which does not involve hazardous materials, Kansas law requires you to move your vehicle out of the lane of travel to protect yourself, as well as other motorists.
- Dress for conditions. Make sure you have a coat, gloves, etc. if you must travel in winter weather.
- Let loved ones know your route of travel.
- If you need help on a Kansas highway, call *47 for the Kansas Highway Patrol or call *KTA for the Kansas Turnpike Authority.
