AAA, NYS Police Want You To Drive Safe During The Storm

Here in Central New York, we could get 4 to 6 inches of snow with heavy snowfall expected tonight. If it's necessary for you to be out on the roads this evening, the New York State Police just want you to remain smart and safe.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for Madison, Northern Oneida, Onondaga, Southern Oneida from 5pm to 10am Thursday, including the cities of Boonville, Syracuse, Hamilton, Oneida, Rome, and Utica. This means everyone should be careful and aware of their surroundings if out on the roads. The New York State Police released a few reminders about driving by offering up information from AAA.

"We want everyone to be safe during our first big storm of the season," they posted to their Facebook page on Wednesday afternoon. Don't travel if you don't have to."

Winter storms, bad weather and sloppy road conditions are a factor in nearly half a million crashes and more than 2,000 road deaths every winter, according to research by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

The post consisted of tips:

• Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• When driving up and down hills, observe how other vehicles are reacting and maintain a safe distance.
• Steer and brake with smooth, careful, and precise movements rather than quick, jerky motions.
• Drive in the lane that's been most recently plowed, and avoid changing lanes unless necessary.
• Do not use cruise control when driving on slippery surfaces.
• Take extra care when driving on shaded spots, bridges, over passes and intersections.

They also mentioned if you do have to drive: check your tires, have a plan before you leave the house and drive safely.