How to drive safely on ice and snow?

This is what the destructive force of the winter storm that threatens the US looks like 3:27

(CNN) -

Motorists were stranded for hours on a major U.S. interstate highway Monday night after a severe winter storm caused a massive traffic jam and authorities struggled to clear the way.

The section of I-95 in the Fredericksburg, Virginia area was blocked by several damaged vehicles and downed trees, the Virginia Department of Transportation said.

An estimated 20 to 30 trucks were stuck on northbound I-95 near the Thornburg exit, according to the Virginia Department of Transportation, which said towing crews were at the scene.

• Motorists stranded for hours in a winter storm that left more than 400,000 without power

Many motorists, especially those in the southern United States, may not be familiar with driving through sleet or black ice.

Here's a short guide to driving safely in winter weather:

Pack a winter riding gear

If motorists have any problems with their car's battery, brakes, heating and cooling system, or ignition system, they should try to stay off the roads.

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For those who must go out, planning is important.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) recommends that motorists wear winter driving gear that includes:

- A bag of abrasive material (sand, salt or kitty litter), a snow shovel and traction mats

- An ice scraper and glass cleaner

- Start cables

- A flashlight and warning flares or triangles

- A cell phone and charger

- An extra pair of gloves and a blanket

- Emergency food supplies like protein bars or beef jerky.

And water.

Motorists should also have at least half a tank of fuel before heading out, AAA says, and make sure their tires are properly inflated.

Always defrost your vehicle before driving

Vehicles with ice can limit the driver's visibility, and ice coming off cars can be dangerous to other drivers, so defrost vehicles before driving.

The AAA suggests that drivers clean their windows and windshields, replace their wiper blades if they leave marks, and clean all snow and ice from their hood, roof, trunk, lights, and windows.

Drivers should warm up their car's engine for a few minutes before hitting the road.

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: Almost half of Texas residents must boil their water as shortages and sub-zero temperatures continue

Drive slowly, with your headlights on, and avoid stopping frequently

When driving in poor visibility conditions, drivers should move slowly with low beams on, advises AAA.

The AAA also recommends that drivers avoid stopping if possible.

Instead, motorists must drive slowly to keep their car rolling without needing to come to a complete stop.

Avoiding an obstruction is often safer than sudden braking at speeds greater than 40 km / h on a slippery surface, according to the AAA booklet, "How to Go on Ice and Snow."

When motorists brake, they should not take their foot off the brake or pump the pedal if they have antilock brakes, advises AAA.

Drivers who do not have antilock brakes should keep their heel on the ground and apply firm pressure to the brake pedal to the lock threshold.

In the event of a skid, drivers are advised to steer in the direction they want the front of the car to go, keeping their eyes on the driving path.

They should not stop hard as it is likely to be more difficult to regain control.

Additionally, AAA suggests that drivers avoid autopilot when driving on slippery ice, sleet, or snow surfaces.

Get out of the parking lot carefully

Drivers should try to get their vehicle out of parking spaces without spinning the wheels.

Drive back and forth for several meters in any direction to clear a path, AAA advises, and sprinkle sand or salt near the wheels if additional traction is needed.

READ

: More than 60 million in the US under winter weather alerts as rain and snow hit the east coast

Keep as much distance as possible with other vehicles

To brake safely if necessary, AAA advises drivers to increase following distances to 8 to 10 seconds when driving on ice or snow.

On the highways, drivers should not change lanes frequently, as they can lose control when driving on snow that accumulates between the lanes.

Drive through the hills as slowly as possible

When driving on hills, drivers should stay as far away from other vehicles as possible so they don't have to stop while maneuvering around stuck cars.

This will allow drivers to accelerate smoothly when near the bottom of the hill, AAA says.

Motorists should drive downhill on ice or snow very slowly and try not to use the brakes.

However, when necessary, drivers should brake smoothly to avoid losing control.

CNN's Marnie Hunter, Jason Hanna, Madeline Holcombe, and Steve Almasy contributed to this report.

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