Latest winter storm causing more highway problems in New Kent, Charles City

Although wintry precipitation will be coming to an end this evening in New Kent and Charles City counties, predicted record low temperatures overnight are expected worsen road conditions that already are icy.

As of 4 p.m. today, state police had responded to 209 calls for service over a four-hour span in the Richmond Metro area, said Sgt. Steve Vick. There have been 148 crashes with 142 resulting in damage. Fortunately, only five injuries have been reported. Troopers assisted 34 stranded motorists.

In New Kent, sheriff’s office Chief Deputy Joe McLaughlin said deputies have responded to several calls involving vehicles sliding into ditches.

“There has been some minor damage, but fortunately no injuries,” he said. “It’s still slick as glass out here and when the temperature continues to drop tonight, [roads] are going to be almost impassable.”

“Over-confidence on icy roads can be both dangerous and deadly,” said Martha M. Meade, manager of public and government affairs for AAA Mid-Atlantic.

“Ice is slippery no matter how good your tires are and even with four-wheel-drive,” she said. “If you absolutely must go out and drive in icy conditions, slow it down and increase your following distances.”

AAA Mid-Atlantic provides the following tips for dealing with icy weather:

–In temperatures at or just above 32 degrees, a thin layer of water can cover the ice, causing extremely slippery conditions. The distance needed to stop on ice at 32 degrees is twice as long at zero degrees.

–Look farther ahead and pay particular attention to “hot spots” such as bridges, culverts, on and off ramps and elevated highways. Be alert for “black ice.”

–Slow down and increase the distance between you and the vehicle in front of you.

–Don’t be afraid to shift into a lower gear to reduce speed.

–Don’t let frigid temperatures tempt you into starting your car in a closed garage or idling your engine for long periods with the windows closed. Carbon monoxide, present in exhaust fumes, is almost impossible to detect and can be fatal when breathed in a confined area.

–Frozen door locks can be overcome by carefully heating the end of a key with a match or lighter. A squirt of de-icer spray is another quick method. Remember not to leave the de-icer in your car as you won’t have access to it if your locks freeze; keep it in your home, office, purse or briefcase. Do not pour hot water over a frozen lock or ice-covered vehicle, as it could damage your car.

–Make certain cooling system antifreeze is mixed with an equal portion of water for maximum protection.

–Clear windows, mirrors and lights with an ice scraper, brush or spray de-icer. Make certain windshield wipers and defrosters are in good working order and that washer reservoirs are filled with no-freeze windshield washer fluid.