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Preparing for season's first big snow

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and last updated

Roads crews have started preparing for the Lake Effect Snow about to hit western New York.

Chautauqua County highway crews tell 7 Eyewitness News that they plan to start treating the roads once the snow starts to fall. They have crews’ set-up in eight hour shifts, in groups of three. Employees are also on standby for the weekend in case they need to come in.

In Cattaraugus County, county roads began getting treated for the incoming winter weather at four in the morning. The state also typically treats roads in the overnight hours.

Erie County roads did not appear to have been treated yet in the early morning hours on Friday.

OSHA and AAA have several winter tips for drivers.

Before you get in your car, it is important to check your battery, tire tread, windshield wipers and anti-freeze. Also make sure to have a flashlight, jumper cables, abrasive materials (such as sand or kitty litter) and a shovel with you.

In the winter months, it is also a good idea to have food, water, warning devices and blankets in the car, especially for long trips. Make sure to give yourself extra time, as conditions could be slick and traffic could be slow.

Make sure that tires have enough air in them, as the cold tends to deflate tires.

Once you hit the road, give yourself extra time to stop. Instead of keeping three to four seconds between yourself and the car in front, increase that time to eight to ten seconds.

Avoid using cruise control and make sure to accelerate and decelerate slower than in dry conditions.

 

 
 

 

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