As the eastern part of Kentucky is being hit hard by a winter storm system, Kentucky State Police Post 13 is urging citizens in its coverage area of Breathitt, Knott, Leslie, Letcher, and Perry Counties to stay off the roadways if at all possible.  Individuals are also asked to refrain from using 911 for inquiring about road conditions.  KSP offers the following safe driving tips for those who find it necessary to travel during the duration of this storm:

• Avoid travel unless necessary.
• Slow down.
• Always wear your seat belt.

Driving Considerations

• Leave early – allow more travel time; expect delays.
• Increase distance between vehicles – it takes significantly longer to stop on snow covered or icy roadways.
• Clear all windows on your vehicle prior to travel – having unobstructed vision is vital to avoid running off of the road or having a collision.
• Turn on your vehicle’s headlamps. Remove any dirt, mud or snow.
• Use caution on bridges and overpasses as they are susceptible to freezing before roadways.
• Avoid using cruise control – cruise can cause the vehicle’s wheels to continue turning on a slippery surface when speed needs to be decreased.

Be Prepared

• Ensure your vehicle has a full tank of gas in the event you are stranded for an extended period of time.
• Charge your cellular phone prior to departure.
• Take a blanket.
• Notify a family member or a friend of your travel plans prior to departure – if your travel is interrupted, someone will know.

Collision Information

• Be patient – bad weather also limits the capabilities of law enforcement officers and emergency crews and increases response time. Also, keep in mind that they will be experiencing a high volume of requests for service.
• Attempt to move your vehicle out of the roadway if you are involved in a minor, non-injury traffic collision; especially if you are in a dangerous area such as a curve or a blind hill.
• If your vehicle is stranded or wrecked but not in the roadway, attempts to recover your vehicle will have to wait until conditions improve for safety considerations.

 

 

Access to KSP is provided to the public through the KSP mobile app.  The app provides quick access to weather, road conditions and traffic information and many other capabilities.  The app is available for Android, Apple, and iPad applications and can be downloaded free of charge through Apple and Google Pay stores.

 

Lastly, if you observe someone in distress or stranded on the roadway, report the incident by calling -1-800-222-5555 or KSP Post 13 at 606-435-6069,