RICHMOND —The Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) is urging motorists to drive especially cautiously today as sleet and rain have created icy roads across much of central and northern Virginia this morning, including Richmond, Culpeper and Fredericksburg areas. Road conditions is some areas, particularly secondary roads, might be hazardous.

VDOT crews are applying abrasives and chemicals to the roadways as quickly as possible to provide traction and help melt the ice, but motorists are advised to avoid travel if possible and use extreme caution if they must drive. Temperatures are forecast to rise above freezing later today, and the precipitation should change to rain later this afternoon.

VDOT urges motorists to take extra caution before driving on all roadways, including:

• Allow plenty of extra time and expect to encounter icy conditions.
• Know the conditions before heading out by calling 511 or visiting www.511virginia.org.
• Always wear your seat belt.
• Drive slowly.
• Keep a safe distance, at least five seconds, between you and the car in front of you.
• Watch for what appear to be wet areas on the roads and bridges. It could be black ice.
• When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Brake gently. Turn slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.

VDOT also has several tips and educational videos available on its Web site at http://www.virginiadot.org/news/snowseason.asp. VDOT’s road condition report is available on the homepage of www.virginiadot.org.

Page last modified: Dec. 7, 2007