You may remember the icy
blizzard of February 2011 that made it very difficult for anyone to get
pretty much anywhere.
While recent conditions aren't as severe, black ice can still sneak it's way onto Big Country roads. Safe driving instructor, Darren Balch, has taught drivers how to stay the course even when the course gets slick.
"Ice is ice no matter who you are or what you're driving, so just be cautious and slow down", says Balch.
Starting up that engine has far more repercussions when the temps drop to below freezing, and because it doesn't happen too often in west Texas, drivers can be caught off guard by the icy roads.
"You have to pay attention to the road, sometimes you can see the ice and sometimes you can't. Let off of the accelerator and sort of coast through the ice as opposed to braking. Braking will cause you to lose traction and skid", explains Balch.
TxDot does what they can to ease conditions, but says it's ultimately up to the person behind the wheel to maintain safe travels.
"The motorists do need to be very cautious, because it does take a little while to get out there and get everything treated", says Darah Waldrip, TxDot.
While officials see an annual high of car accidents during the winter months, drivers are encouraged to take a break from unnecessary travel, and if that's not an option, make sure you shift your mind into full attention.
According to Balch, another misconception drivers have during the winter months is that four-wheel drive can keep drivers from sliding, when in fact it simply provides a bit more traction. Their biggest piece of advise--slow down!
While recent conditions aren't as severe, black ice can still sneak it's way onto Big Country roads. Safe driving instructor, Darren Balch, has taught drivers how to stay the course even when the course gets slick.
"Ice is ice no matter who you are or what you're driving, so just be cautious and slow down", says Balch.
Starting up that engine has far more repercussions when the temps drop to below freezing, and because it doesn't happen too often in west Texas, drivers can be caught off guard by the icy roads.
"You have to pay attention to the road, sometimes you can see the ice and sometimes you can't. Let off of the accelerator and sort of coast through the ice as opposed to braking. Braking will cause you to lose traction and skid", explains Balch.
TxDot does what they can to ease conditions, but says it's ultimately up to the person behind the wheel to maintain safe travels.
"The motorists do need to be very cautious, because it does take a little while to get out there and get everything treated", says Darah Waldrip, TxDot.
While officials see an annual high of car accidents during the winter months, drivers are encouraged to take a break from unnecessary travel, and if that's not an option, make sure you shift your mind into full attention.
According to Balch, another misconception drivers have during the winter months is that four-wheel drive can keep drivers from sliding, when in fact it simply provides a bit more traction. Their biggest piece of advise--slow down!
