AAA: Drive not to slide

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WTVQ) – AAA says drive not to slide today as snow and ice covered roads will reduce tire traction.

Motorists should think of driving gently by slowing down, increasing following distance, and avoiding any sudden changes of speed. Today’s roadways require that drivers use a different skill set as Lexington has enjoyed a mild winter.  Reduced traction always increases the possibility of skidding and loss of control. Testing slippery surfaces by gently using the brakes at a slow speed will give drivers information about traction.

“It is best to adjust your speed by how easily you can slow down, not how easy it is to go faster,” said Lilla S. Mason, AAA spokesperson. Increasing your following distance to allow for gradual changes of speed is the best way to avoid rear-end collisions which are common in slick conditions.

AAA offers the following tips for drivers:

• Drive gently.
• Increase your following distance.
• Slow down well in advance of intersections.
• Adjust your speed by how well you can slow down without sliding.