LAWTON, Oklahoma (KSWO) — While experts recommend staying off the roads during these frigid temperatures, not everyone can guarantee a work-from-home day, so it’s important to remember what to do while driving.
The slightest amount of ice can create dangerous road conditions, especially when not everyone has driving experience.
Tanner Wade has been a driving instructor for over 10 years and knows what to do when your car starts to skid off the road.
“If you’re sliding or skidding, you want to turn in the direction of the skid, so if the rear end is going right, turn right, if it’s going left, turn left. Don’t break or hit the gas when you’re sliding, just let the car go, eventually, once it’s corrected, you can get it going again,” Wade said.
Sergeant Christopher Blessing of the Lawton Police Department encourages people to watch their speed.
“Speed is the number one cause of crashes in winter weather alerts, so please slow down,” Blessing said.
Wade agrees that people need to slow down and give themselves more time when they get to their destination.
“I would much rather get somewhere 15 or 20 minutes late than not get there at all. So slow down, take your time, pay attention to what’s going on, and stay away from your phone,” she said.
If you’re traveling a longer distance, Blessing recommends making sure you have a full tank of gas and be prepared for anything that might come your way.
“In case you get stuck in your vehicle and it’s taking emergency services a while to get there, at least you can stay in your car while you wait,” Blessing said.
“Because when it’s really bad, people can’t come out and save you right away,” Wade said.
Blessing also wants to remind people to be careful not to have their car stolen when warming it up.
“Something we stress, if you’re going to warm up your car before you leave, make sure you have a second key fob, please make sure the car is locked,” he said.
The cold weather conditions are expected to continue, so be sure to pack and stay safe on the road.
