Use your best judgment to determine if driving is prudent and allow for adjustments to your schedule to ensure a safe commute or simply avoid unnecessary travel.

****Allowing Some Space*****

Use the “two second rule” Choose an object near or above the road ahead. As the vehicle ahead passes it, count aloud, slowly, “one thousand one, one thousand two.” If you reach the object before you finish counting, you are following too closely. Allow the other vehicle to get further ahead. In bad weather, increase the count to three or four seconds for extra space.

*************Keep the following tips in mind*************

  • Get the latest weather forecast before leaving with your local weather apps, monitor radio or TV stations
  • In WHITE OUT conditions, turn on your Hazard or 4-way lights
  • Always clean your windows and mirrors FULLY of any snow and ice before driving
  • Keep a full tank of gas
  • Ensure your fluid levels are sufficient (windshield washer fluid and anti-freeze)
  • Ensure the spare tire is sufficient and you have the jack and wheel wrench
  • Use headlights at all times to increase your visibility
  • Vehicles equipped with simultaneous flashers are required to use them while traveling on the Thruway at a speed under 40 miles per hour.  
  • Drive prudently.  If the conditions are adverse you should decrease your speed accordingly
  • Look down the road for potential hazardous
  • Be observant
  • MAINTAIN SAFE DISTANCE BETWEEN VEHICLES, DON’T TAILGATE
  • DO NOT use cruise control.  This decreases your reaction time to apply brakes.
  • Be aware of all EMERGENCY VEHICLES: Police, Fire, Ambulances, Town Trucks, and Maintenance Vehicles
  • If you do not absolutely have to go out onto the roads, then don’t

If you are involved in a collision or leave the roadway:

If you drive off the roadway and are stuck in a snow bank or ditch, stay in your vehicle and call 911.  DO NOT exit your vehicle unless it is an absolute emergency.  You put yourself at risk of being struck by another vehicle.

Roll the windows down a few inches or turn your vehicle off if you are stranded in snow for a period of time with your vehicle running.  Covered mufflers can cause physical injury or death due to inhalation of carbon monoxide.

If you should become stranded on the Thruway, know your location by being aware of your direction and mile post marker.  This will help emergency personnel reach your location as quickly as possible.

Follow the New York State Police’s Twitter page @nyspolice for up to the minute information on road closures and weather alerts.

The Thruway Authority provides a wide variety of information for travelers including current traffic conditions, accidents, and lane closures.  Visit www.thruway.ny.gov for more information.

By martha

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