RELEASE DATE: January 30, 2008
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ADEM Public Information, (501) 683-6700
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Winter driving
North Little Rock - As winter weather approaches our state, the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management (ADEM) asks Arkansans to exercise caution if travel is necessary. Winter weather presents unique situations, particularly on the highways and practicing simple safety precautions can help keep Arkansans safe. ADEM Director David Maxwell said the most ideal thing for Arkansans is to avoid travel when road conditions deteriorate, but since that is not always possible, he advises
that before leaving home persons should find out about the driving conditions and prepare their vehicles accordingly.Using caution, good judgment and following these tips from the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management can help keep everyone safe:
Drive with your headlights on
Drive for conditions
Allow additional room between vehicles (winter road conditions often result in longer stopping distances)
Avoid abrupt actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the chances of losing control of the vehicle
Look farther ahead in traffic (action by other drivers will alert you to problems and give you extra time to react)
Give yourself plenty of room to stop (stopping on snow and ice without skidding requires extra time and distance)
ADEM recommends that motorists carry a disaster supply kit in their vehicle at all times that includes food, water and blankets.
Maxwell concluded, “We encourage everyone to have a disaster supply kit in their home and vehicle throughout the year, and this is especially true for winter weather. Always be prepared.”For more information on putting together a disaster supply kit, Arkansans may call ADEM at (501) 683-6700 or go to the website at www.adem.arkansas.gov.
-END-