Motorists advised to monitor Roads

The South Carolina Department of Public Safety is preparing for winter weather and urging motorists to stay off the roadways as much as possible during inclement weather.   During winter weather emergencies, South Carolina Department of Public Safety works in conjunction with State Emergency Management Division and other state agencies including the SC Department of Transportation, State Law Enforcement Division, Department of Natural Resources and others, sharing resources such as four-wheel drive vehicles and personnel.  The Highway Patrol is urging motorists to refrain from driving, when at all possible. Some of the most troublesome issues the Highway Patrol sees during inclement weather include minor collisions involving people losing control of the vehicle, black ice, bridges or overpasses icing before the roadways; motorists traveling too fast for conditions and not leaving enough space between vehicles.  Troopers and officers are prepared for the storm and will be closely monitoring road conditions as they go about their normal duties.  Anyone who must travel needs to be prepared with blankets, water, snacks and flashlights should they become stranded. During hazardous weather, the South Carolina Department of Public Safety urges motorists to try to limit use of *HP to true emergencies such as reporting collisions or being stranded in a vehicle.