Drivers recommended to stock vehicles with winter weather kit

(KBSI) – It’s winter. It’s cold. It could snow.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and the Kentucky State Police are helping Kentuckians prepare by providing a list of essential items drivers should have in their vehicles, along with important reminders for obtaining road and weather information.

“It’s that time of year when we all need to ensure our vehicles have safeguards in place for the winter weather driving season,” said Gov. Beshear. “This is a great opportunity for all of us to assemble winter driving kits to keep our families safe if we are stranded on the roadways due to inclement weather.”

KSP encourages all drivers to create a winter weather kit that includes the following items:

• cellphone charger
• blankets
• first-aid kit
• jumper cables
• windshield scraper
• collapsible shovel
• flashlight with batteries
• bottled water and/or snacks

Kentucky State Police also asks citizens to refrain from dialing 911 for road and weather conditions.

“Dialing 911 for road and weather conditions can tie up emergency lines and hinder the response to critical situations,” said KSP Spokesperson Capt. Paul Blanton. “We encourage citizens to use our social media channels to access up-to-date information efficiently and allow emergency services to focus on immediate concerns.”

KSP will use Facebook, Twitter and the website at kentuckystatepolice.ky.gov to share winter weather updates.

Before traveling, drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions by visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet online traffic, roadway and weather portal website at goky.ky.gov.

“There are three actions you do most when you drive: accelerate, turn and brake. In winter weather, you should only do one of those actions at a time. Attempting more than one of these actions at once can cause slide-outs or spin-outs,” said Blanton. “When traveling downhill, if possible, switch to a lower gear and gently tap your brakes. This helps to avoid burning your brakes, and in winter weather, it helps keep traction.”