PADUCAH — As winter weather sets in, law enforcement reminds drivers to slow down.
Since snow began falling Monday, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet reported three accidents.
According to the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office, two people died after a collision involving three vehicles on Interstate 24 near Exit 40.
Traffic was diverted, but because bridges are slick, Lyon County Emergency Management asked people to stay off the roads unless necessary.
There were other accidents in Paducah and Marshall County.
Around 10 p.m., road conditions were very similar to driving after rain.
Bridges and overpasses were much more slippery.
Local law enforcement urges drivers to practice defensive driving.
When snow falls, road conditions often worsen.
If you’re out on the road, McCracken County Sheriff Ryan Norman encourages you to take your time.
“Make sure you have plenty of room to stop. Give other vehicles more room. Take your foot off the gas pedal a little more. Ease into the breaks more,” Norman said.
Norman also said to be prepared to take alternate routes.
In case of accidents, like the deadly collision in Lyon County, Norman said first responders need space to do their jobs.
“We ask that if it’s safe to do so, to get to another lane. If it’s a four-lane road, just to give, not only emergency responder but any of the other people involved in a collision, or patients you know, that need to be tended to, to give them some extra room,” said Norman.
Another piece of advice from Norman is to plan ahead. That includes leaving home early to account for slower speeds and potential traffic.
“I think everybody needs to give themselves a little more time. And you know, hopefully we don’t see a lot of this during the year, but maybe this will just be a little warm up to later on in the year for people to get used to driving in these conditions,” Norman said.
For late-night drivers and early-morning commuters, Norman said it’s important to watch for black ice.
If you lose traction, take your foot off the accelerator and turn in the direction you’re spinning.
Drivers should also have a winter weather kit in their car as we head into the winter months.
That kit includes items like extra food and water, warm clothing, a flashlight, a scraper, and blankets.
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