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Prepping for wintry weather driving

With frozen roads being a possibility in East Texas, here are some tips on safe driving when the roads are slippery.

TYLER, Texas — Freezing temperatures mean the potential for frozen roads

Texas Department of Transportation combats this by putting a salty brine solution on the road. The lower freezing temperature of the salt helps to prevent the road from freezing over.

Not all roads get this treatment though, so you need to make sure your tires aren't worn, and drive at reasonable speeds when frozen roads are a possibility.

Defensive driving experts recommend driving at 20 to 25 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit.

And you'll want to keep a safe, long driving distance from other cars around you, about nine car lengths if you can.

But don't forget to watch out for that black ice--you cannot see it until you start to slip and slide.

If you start to slide, do not slam on the brakes, they will lock and your car will spin. Instead, lay off both pedals and gently steer your car in a safe direction.


In case something happens that causes you to become stranded, be sure to have items in your car in case you do get stuck--blankets, gloves, water and a heavy coat.

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