Statewide Winter Weather Advisory

Presently rain and/or sleet along with cold weather throughout Louisiana has created hazardous driving conditions. The wet precipitation on the roadways has formed into ice, causing very slick conditions. These conditions present a unique danger to motorists not experienced with driving on ice covered roadways.

The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development are staged in problem areas salting and spreading sand on bridges, overpasses, and roadways where needed. Louisiana State Police urges motorists to keep abreast of the latest weather and travel conditions before deciding whether a trip is necessary.

For real time updates on roadway closures, crash locations, and pertinent safety information, visit and like the Louisiana State Police Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/LouisianaStatePolice . Citizens and visitors are also encouraged to enroll and receive Nixle Alerts. To enroll for this free service, visit www.nixle.com, complete the required information, and select Louisiana State Police as your agency.

With the deteriorating weather conditions, motorists are reminded to drive responsibly and be prepared for uncertain driving conditions. If traveling today is a necessity, the Louisiana State Police urges you to follow these winter weather driving tips:

· Check Facebook and Nixle for road closures along your route
· Check vehicle fluids (anti-freeze), tire pressure, battery windshield wipers, etc.
· Reduce speed
· Allow extra time to reach your destination
· Allow extra space between vehicles
· Do not drive using cruise control in icy conditions
· Anticipate stops (such as stop signs and traffic signals) and brake gently while stopping
· If you encounter a skid, do not panic, take your foot off the accelerator, and steer into the skid till you regain control
· Use low beam headlights if it is raining/sleeting
· Ensure all vehicle occupants are properly restrained

If you should have vehicle problems, be sure to stay in your vehicle, as freezing temperatures can be life-threatening and the safest place is in the vehicle. Have a survival kit: emergency first aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, high-energy or dehydrated foods, flashlight with extra batteries, extra (charged) cell phone battery, emergency flares, and bottled water.

If you experience difficulties or witness hazardous situations while on the highway, notify your local State Police Troop office by dialing *LSP (*577) from your cell phone or contact your local law enforcement agency.