Louisiana State Police urge motorists to exercise caution if traveling on icy roads

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It’s completely understandable that drivers in Louisiana are not used to these road conditions. State Police Trooper Marc Gremillion says they’ve had to respond to a lot of vehicles that had slid off the roadway.

“We’re seeing plenty of cars that are out there on the roadways going into ditches or into the tree line, and then one of our DOTD partners was out clearing the roadway and their vehicle got struck from behind,” Gremillion said.

Photo courtesy of Ascension Police Department

Gremillion says not only do you need to greatly reduce your speed, you’ll also need to adjust the way you come to a stop.

“Don’t lock up your brakes. Hit it gently. Come to a controlled, slow stop, because with that ice and snow on the ground, your travel distance is going to be a lot farther,” Gremillion explained.

And if you start skidding, stay calm and by all means, do not steer away from the skid initially.

“Drive INTO the skid. Slow down, take your foot off the pedal. Once you can start feeling that traction build up underneath the tires, if you can, then start to accelerate out of it,” Gremillion advised.

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