The Governor's Office of Highway Safety (GOHS) reminds drivers that those predictions could mean unexpected hazardous driving conditions on some roads and Interstates from the North Atlanta Metro Area and through all of North Georgia.
With a "good chance of rain and possible snow" now predicted for Saturday night and Sunday, GOHS has dusted off this list of safe driving tips to get motorists home safely:
Number One is a no-brainer…
If you don’t have to go out in hazardous weather conditions, then stay home! This isn’t the blizzard of century so save yourself unnecessary trips to stock up on beef jerky and flapjacks. Stay home where it’s warm and you won’t take a chance of crashing on icy roads or being stranded in the cold.
If you do have to drive, give it your full concentration. This is no time for distracted drivers with cell phones and sandwiches in their hands. Drive cautiously with both hands on the wheel.
Slow down!
Driving too fast for conditions is what gets many drivers in trouble when they hit that unseen pocket of icy road. These are days where you leave yourself plenty of time to get where you’re going. Plan to be patient or don’t plan to leave the house at all. Buckle your safety belt.
Don’t tailgate or follow too close.
Avoid "grouping-up" with a pack of other vehicles, especially at higher speeds. This may help you avoid those terrible chain reaction crashes you see on the news.
Don’t panic!
If you find yourself sliding or losing control, take your foot off the gas and resist the temptation to slam on the brakes. Slamming the brakes will only eliminate what little traction you have.
If you start to spin you’re pretty much at the mercy of the ice. But experienced road Troopers at the Georgia State Patrol advise us to counter-steer in the direction of the spin until the vehicle comes to a stop. If you’re already driving slowly, this won’t be nearly as terrifying.
The Georgia State Patrol also advises motorists who insist on driving in winter weather conditions to carry a freshly charged cell phone and have warm clothes, a blanket and working flashlight in their vehicle.
Because once you’re stranded during a severe weather episode, it may take emergency services a while to get to you, due to the inclement conditions and the increased number of severe incidents that usually occur.
Please don't harass the poor people at these retail establishments by being so spastic and buying up $200.00 worth of groceries and filling all of your vehicles and little red gas cans all at once !It is NOT ARMAGEDDON ! Really, It'll be ok. trust me...