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Experts say much of the battle is planning ahead. Drivers should make sure their cars are winter ready, meaning the battery, heater, defroster and wipers are all in working order.
They should also allow enough time before leaving to scrape their cars completely, and pack blankets, flashlights, and battery cables for emergencies.
When it comes to actually driving, Captain Tim Hull says the most important tips are basic.
“Make sure that they’ve got a seatbelt on, and everyone body else in the vehicle is seat belted in or in an approved child restraint seat,” Hull said.
It’s important to drive slowly and leave enough room between you and other drivers. It’s also law that in inclement weather, if you need your wipers on then your headlights should be on as well.
Click here for information about planning your route or to see a map of road conditions. And remember, if you see or are in an accident that isn’t a 911 emergency, you can dial *55 on a cell phone to connect you to the closet branch of the highway patrol.
For KSMU News, I’m Anna Thomas
And the National Weather Service says the temperatures will begin dropping drastically Wednesday night, with a wintry mix hitting southwest Missouri mid-day Thursday. Northwest Arkansas is set to get more ice than snow.