How drivers should prepare for icy roads New Year’s weekend

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

As you're gassing up the car for your holiday plans, you may want to include an ice scraper and other items to help you survive the incoming winter weather.

The ABC Stormtrack Weather Team issued a Weather Alert Day for Saturday's winter storms. The possibility of freezing rain or snow could lead to icy roads as soon as midnight Friday. Because of this, the American Red Cross recommends drivers create emergency winter kits and prepare for the possibility of being stuck on frozen roads.

Missouri State Highway Patrol is encouraging drivers to stay home unless absolutely necessary during the winter storm.

"Current weather reports are showing the weather will significantly deteriorate late Friday night and last through Sunday morning," said Corporal Kyle Green with Missouri State Highway Patrol. "With temperatures dropping as rain moves through the area, snow and ice are likely to form, which can make traveling dangerous."

Susan Watson, with the American Red Cross of Central & Northern Missouri, said anyone driving this weekend should be prepared for the worst. Watson said roads are unpredictable, and drivers may be caught in standstill traffic in freezing temperatures.

"The main thing is really to start thinking ahead to what happens if you get stuck in a line of traffic that has to sit for a while or you for some reason, your car doesn't run and you're needing to stay warm," Watson said.

Here's a list of some things the Red Cross suggests packing in your car:

• Ice scraper
• Battery pack
• Jumper cables
• Bottled water, nonperishable food
• Extra blankets, gloves, sweaters, hats, scarves
• Flashlight
• Battery-operated radio
• Sand or cat litter
• Any medications you may need
• First aid kit

Watson also recommends drivers keep their gas tanks full this weekend and check tire tread before leaving.

"You might get stuck in a situation where you're sitting on the highway for quite a long time and it's using up that fuel up before you can get to the next gas station," Watson said. "Make sure that your tires are in good shape because obviously as we get out on roadways with icy conditions or slippery conditions, that's when the tire tread really matters."

Holiday weekends usually bring an increase in traffic. The Missouri State Highway Patrol's holiday counting period for New Year's 2022 began Thursday at 6 p.m. On the first night of the counting period, Highway Patrol recorded six crashes.

During last year's counting period, Highway Patrol responded to 1,247 crashes. Six crashes were fatal.

The Highway Patrol and Red Cross encourage drivers to leave extra early, especially during inclement weather, to avoid unsafe driving practices like speeding.

Jefferson City Police Department shared driver safety tips ahead of the holiday weekend.

"Overall you want to be extra cautious in inclement weather," said Lt. David Williams in a press release. "Slow down, avoid hard braking or turning sharply and allow ample stopping distance between you and the cars in front of you. Be mindful of emergency vehicles and road clearing equipment as they need more space to safely operate."