HOUSTON
The Harris County Office of Homeland Security & Emergency Management (HCOHSEM) offers the following driving tips to motorists traveling slick or icy roads:
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Know your vehicle and how it operates. Not all cars respond the same to slippery roads. Knowing how to handle your vehicle and how it responds in various weather conditions is important.
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Always maintain a good distance from vehicles in front of you. The most important thing to remember when driving on slick roads is that you must travel, steer and brake more slowly than usual.
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Recognize Danger Zones:
Intersections -- Slow down before reaching an intersection. Scan all directions for cars and pedestrians.
Curves -- Reduce speed before entering a curve.
Bridges -- Ice forms on bridges and freeways so reduce speed and use precaution.
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Non-working traffic signals should be treated as stop signs.
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Never brake while driving on ice. If you are approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach. Applying pressure to your brakes while on ice will only throw you into a skid.
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Always buckle up and use extra caution when driving in slick or icy conditions.
Check real-time traffic information in our ABC13.com traffic section
Free program available to stranded motorists in Harris County
Harris County officials are reminding drivers they're available to help them out if you get stranded on the road.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office Motorist Assistance Program is free to all stranded motorists on Harris County-area freeways during cold and icy weather.
Assistance offered by the program includes:
- Changing a flat tire.
- Supply fuel, water and air
- Jump start vehicles with dead batteries
- Remove stranded vehicles from the roadway by use of the push Bumper or by summoning a tow truck
- Provide use of mobile phone to notify relatives, employer or summon additional help
- Provide courtesy transport of stranded motorist to a safe location
The number to call for MAP assistance is 713-CALL-MAP.
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