NCDOT, AAA shares tips for driving in snow and ice

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Ahead of wintery weather Tuesday evening, the North Carolina Department of Transportation held a news conference detailing preparations to keep those roads clear. 

County Maintenance Engineer Blake Jacobs with the NCDOT said—in New Hanover County alone—more than 55,000 gallons of a brine have already been spread on major roadways since Sunday.  

The brine solution is a combination of water and rock salt that helps prevent ice or snow from sticking to the road. 

Jacobs said if you see a brine truck out on the road, give them plenty of room to prevent salt getting on your car. 

He added although the DOT will be working around the clock to clear roads, avoid driving if you can—and if you can’t—use caution until conditions improve. 

“If we get any type of accumulation with traffic on the highway, it’s going to compact the snow into ice and that’s a little harder to get off with the snow plows,” Jacobs said. “Just stay home and give us time to get everything clear.” 

Although our area rarely gets snow or ice, the NCDOT also has snow plows on standby locally. 

Tiffany Wright with AAA echoed that drivers should stay off the roads if possible. If you can’t, she has some tips to keep you safe. 

“I think the main important thing is to not be in a hurry. Give yourself plenty of tine to reach your destination,” Wright explained. 

Since air contracts in cold conditions, make sure your tires have plenty of air and tread left on them, Wright said, and increase your usual following distance. 

“Because we know when we have wet conditions on the road our stopping time is reduced,” Wright noted. “Make sure that you’re scanning the road ahead of time so if you do see any trouble ahead of you, you’re able to slow down and move over.” 

Wright said the cold also reduces fuel efficiency, so make sure to have at least half of a tank and ensure your battery is working normally before you leave the house. 

Wright added AAA receives the majority of their calls immediately after a storm hits… So don’t assume just because snow or rain isn’t actively coming down that conditions have improved.