I-95 Motorists Left Stranded Along Icy Road – Ten Items to Prep for Winter Driving

The Virginia Department of Transportation had its hands full as the clean-up efforts are still underway to clear a portion of I-95 in Fredericksburg after "a combination of downed trees and disabled vehicles" shutdown the interstate early Monday evening.

Many motorists found themselves without food or water and sleeping overnight in their vehicles. According to a recent tweet this afternoon from the Virginia Department of Transportation out of Fredericksburg,

We’re making significant headway to remove disabled vehicles, & tractor trailers from I-95 then plow trains will come through to remove snow and ice.

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While all of this is happening hours away in Virginia, this is not an impossible situation for any of us living here in the midwest to encounter. In fact, now that winter is in full swing, it seems like a good time to brush up on tips to prepare your vehicles for winter driving.

Aside from allowing yourself extra time so you do not have to rush to get from A to B during winter weather, according to Ready.gov, there are some simple ways to keep yourself as safe as possible while on the road during treacherous winter weather. They advise that you:

• Winterize your vehicle by checking your antifreeze, brakes, tire pressure and windshield wipers.
• Be sure your gas tank is at least half full.
• Stock your emergency roadside kit with jumper cables, flairs, etc.
• Make sure you have a phone charger in your car.
• Toss a blanket or two in your car as well.
• Sand or kitty litter are useful for creating traction if you become stuck.
• A small food kit could prove helpful as well - nonperishable snacks & bottled water.

[Source: WTVR.com]

Keep scrolling to see some of the items you can keep in the car to prepare for winter driving.