Jonesboro, AR – (JonesboroRightNow.com) – Jan. 9, 2025 – With Northeast Arkansas under a Winter Storm Warning, the Jonesboro Police Department provided some tips for driving in the upcoming snowy weather.
JPD Traffic Division Sgt. Michael Bush gave 10 winter driving safety tips on Thursday ahead of the storm. The National Weather Service forecasted the storm to move in starting late Thursday and into Friday, with four to six inches of snow expected.
Bush said people should stay home and stay off the roads if at all possible. He added that the only reason people should be out driving is if they or a loved one is experiencing a “non-life-threatening injury,” such as a broken bone. In life-threatening emergencies, Bush said people should call 911 or an ambulance.
He added that people should increase their distance between other drivers, as stopping distances on icy roads increase three to ninefold. Drivers should also drive smoothly, slowly, and with no sudden stops or turns to avoid spinning out.
While four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles help residents drive better in snowy conditions, Bush said they do not help drivers stop.
“They’re gonna give you more traction as you’re driving forward or in reverse,” he said. “But whenever you start to stop, it is just like any other vehicle, all four tires are gonna stop rotating, so they’re all going to slide in the same distance. Most of the new vehicles are equipped with ABS, so you won’t have the lock-up brakes anymore, but older vehicles, if they lock up, they’re just sliding on ice.”
Drivers need to have their headlights on to make themselves visible to others and should be extra cautious when crossing bridges or overpasses since they become slick faster.
Bush said if drivers do become stranded on the road, they need to stay with their vehicle. Drivers should prepare an inclement weather kit to keep in their vehicle, which should include blankets, a snow shovel, a phone charger, road flares, jumper cables, snacks and water.
He added that if drivers become stranded on the roadway, and aren’t involved in an accident, they need to call for roadside assistance, as JPD does not have the proper equipment to move vehicles.
“Remember that if you do get roadside [assistance], you’re going to be there for a length of time. Try to start your vehicle in 10-minute increments, so that you save your gas,” Bush said. “If you are in deep snow, you need to go back and clear the snow away from your tailpipe so that way carbon monoxide doesn’t come back into your vehicle.”
However, if drivers are involved in an accident and can move their cars, Bush said they should move their vehicles to the closest parking lot and contact JPD for a report.
Finally, he said before traveling, drivers should remove all snow and ice from their vehicles. Not only does this ensure proper visibility for the driver but can also prevent an auto insurance claim. Bush said if snow or ice falls off your vehicle and hits another one, you could be held liable and have to file an insurance report.
“Stay home, stay off the roads,” Bush said. “This is the safest for you and your property.”
If you must get out and drive, check iDriveArkansas.com to get updates on road conditions. The site is available 24/7 and is regularly updated.