NC Hwy Patrol's Advice for Bad Weather Travel

The weather in North Carolina is unpredictable and this time of year you never know when to expect black ice, snow, icy roads or a mixture of road conditions. The Highway Patrol has a few simple steps:  Avoid travel unless necessary when winter weather is in your area, Decrease speed, and Wear your seatbelt.  In bad weather--Leave early; expect delays, Increase distance between vehicles, clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel, turn on headlights, Use caution on bridges and overpasses, and Avoid using cruise control – cruise can cause the vehicle's wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.  Also, Be sure your vehicle has a full tank of gas, Charge your cell phone prior to departure, Take a blanket, and Notify a family member or a friend of your travel plans.  Finally in case of a car wreck:  Be patient – weather also limits Highway capabilities and increases their response time;  and Attempt to move your vehicle out of the roadway if you are involved in a minor, non-injury traffic collision; especially if you are in a dangerous area such as a curve or a blind hill.  To check the status of road conditions, motorists are asked to go to the Department of Transportation’s website at http://www.ncdot.gov/travel/. To NOT call 911 or the Highway Patrol for road conditions.