As winter weather approaches, the Kentucky State Police (KSP) are helping Kentuckians prepare by providing a list of essential items motorists should have in their vehicles, along with important reminders for obtaining road and weather information.
KSP encourages all drivers to create a winter weather kit that includes the following items:
- Cellphone charger
- Blankets
- First-aid kit
- Jumper cables
- Windshield scraper
- Collapsible shovel
- Flashlight with batteries
- Bottled water and/or snacks
In addition to these preparations, KSP asks citizens to refrain from dialing 911 for road and weather conditions.
“Dialing 911 for road and weather conditions can tie up emergency lines and hinder the response to critical situations,” said KSP Spokesperson Capt. Paul Blanton. “We encourage citizens to use our social media channels to access up-to-date information efficiently and allow emergency services to focus on immediate concerns.”
KSP will use Facebook, Twitter and website to share winter weather updates. Before traveling, drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions by visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet online traffic, roadway and weather portal website.
Blanton said even the best drivers need to take it slow when rough weather hits.
“There are three actions you do most when you drive: accelerate, turn and brake. In winter weather, you should only do one of those actions at a time. Attempting more than one of these actions at once can cause slide-outs or spin-outs,” says Blanton. “When traveling downhill, if possible, switch to a lower gear and gently tap your brakes. This helps to avoid burning your brakes, and in winter weather, it helps keep traction.”
For more information about KSP’s commitment of creating a better Kentucky by making the commonwealth’s streets safer, communities stronger and the nation more secure by providing exceptional law enforcement, click here.
