Use Caution Driving in Winter Weather

Missouri’s weather forecast indicates snow and snow showers are expected. This will be the first snow of the season and whether it’s a dusting or several inches, it will affect travel.

Troopers with the Missouri State Highway Patrol urge everyone to pay attention to weather conditions and make smart decisions regarding travel. If conditions dictate, avoid driving on Missouri’s roadways. When you travel, make sure your vehicle is completely clean of snow, use your headlights to increase visibility, and reduce your speed when the roadway appears wet, or snow is present.

Be sure to increase your following distance as you drive, stopping quickly on wet, snowy, or icy roads can be hazardous or impossible. Leaving five seconds between your vehicle and the one in front of you is always a smart idea, especially in inclement weather.

Lower overnight temperatures may cause wet roadways to freeze and become slick. Remember: Missouri law states if you’re using your windshield wipers, your headlights must be turned on.

Troopers suggest keeping your fuel tank at least half full. In preparation for winter weather, place an ice scraper, battery booster cables, blankets, extra coats, gloves, water, non-perishable food, first aid kit, flashlight, small shovel, and a bag of sand or cat litter in your trunk now, before an emergency occurs.

Before you travel, make sure your cell phone is fully charged and keep it with you. Do not use your cell phone when you are driving; park your vehicle well off the roadway or in a parking lot before placing a call. The Missouri State Highway Patrol emergency number is 1-800-525-5555 (or *55 on a cellular phone). These numbers ring at the nearest troop headquarters. Troopers are available to assist you.

Motorists are encouraged to check road conditions before driving to help determine if the trip can be completed safely. Missouri’s Road Condition Report is available at 1-888-275-6636 or MoDOT’s Road Condition Map at http://traveler.modot.org/map/. The MoDOT Traveler Information Map app can be downloaded free of charge to your smart devices.

Please remember to buckle up, pay attention, be courteous, and obey all traffic laws. When weather conditions make driving hazardous, drive only when absolutely necessary.

KPGZ Weather - Brian Watts contributed to this story