AAA: Could be days before clear roads
With winds kicking and snow still falling, a snowplow clears a village parking lot in Huntington early Monday. Credit: Kathy M Helgeson
AAA is anticipating a "minimal number of calls" as long as travel bans remain in effect on Long Island today, spokesman Robert Sinclair told NewsdayTV.
"Stay home. Even after the bans are lifted, it might take … days to get all the roads cleared," he said.
Anyone who does start their car should make sure to clear the exhaust pipe of snow to prevent fumes from backing up. Last month in Queens, a veterinarian and a dog were killed by carbon monoxide poisoning after a snow pile may have blocked the mobile clinic's exhaust.
When travel bans are lifted, AAA recommends carrying a fully charged mobile phone and an emergency kit in one's car, including blankets, extra clothing, non-perishable food, water, medication and basic tools. It's also important to clear ice and snow off one's vehicle before driving.
"And if you are out on the road, it's important to realize that posted speed limits are for ideal conditions," Sinclair said. Y"ou have to keep your speed down. We're seeing an epidemic of aggressive driving these days."
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