Texas Winter Storm Driving Safety Tips: What You Need to Know

(East Texas) It's always great to live by the old Boy Scouts of America motto, 'Be Prepared'.

Why ‘Be Prepared’ Matters

Being prepared helps you get through a stressful situation and to feel calmer. Ladies, when you're pregnant and close to giving birth, you have a bag ready to go on a moment's notice when it's time to go to the hospital. Before any big medical procedure, you've covered all the options with your doctor, and you have a plan of action before the surgery. The same should hold true for other events in your life.

We should have a plan in the event of a fire at home or the office. We should have all of our important documents in one place at home in the event of a flood or other natural disaster. We should be prepared for a multitude of different things.

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Safe Driving During Winter Weather

A good portion of West, North, and East Texas will be under a Winter Storm Watch beginning Friday at noon (in East Texas) and lasting through Sunday. Driving conditions could be treacherous or downright dangerous because of the amount of sleet and freezing rain that is anticipated. The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) is doing what it can to mitigate the accumulation of ice on bridges and roadways to make the roads safer during this winter storm, but it can't be everywhere.

During this event, if you have to get out, you'll want to give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you're going. Slow down below posted speed limits and use extreme caution when going across bridges. Be an alert driver and adjust to the driving conditions around you.

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Emergency Items to Have on Hand

In the event of an emergency while out driving in a winter storm, you'll want to have these items on hand to help you get through the situation.