TWIN FALLS, Idaho (KMVT/KSVT) – Southern Idaho is expecting a chance of snow this week, which means the roads can get a little dangerous. KMVT spoke with local law enforcement and first responders about how to drive safely in cold weather.

“The roads might be icy, so you might want to drive a little slower, so give yourself more time,” says Sergeant Josh Hayes.

Sergeant Hayes is with the Twin Falls Police Department and says when the weather changes, there is an increase in car accidents. his advice to drivers is to check the weather the day before to prepare properly before hitting the road.

“The first snow or rain we get, we have a lot of accidents that day because people are just driving normally or speeding, and then we have accidents all day long,” Hayes says.

“Everyone is used to driving on dry roads that have a better stopping distance, and they don’t realize that if the roads are wet, icy or covered in snow, they will lose control much faster,” says Captain Gary Sabin.

According to Capt. Sabin of the Rock Creek Fire District, firefighters have responded to fatalities and injuries in the past, primarily on the highway near Kimberly. He says the best way to avoid accidents is to keep up with your vehicle’s maintenance.

“Make sure you’re driving with your headlights on, your tires are in good condition for rain or snow, checking your breaks and making sure your tridents are in range,” says Sabin.

Even simple things like making sure the antifreeze is full or getting up early to defrost your windows or clear debris from your car when it’s snowing and giving yourself more time to get to your destination can help preventing an accident.

“No advice, you end up risking the inevitable. Eventually you’re going to get into an accident,” says Sabin.

“So take your time getting where you’re going and drive slowly and you’ll get there safely,” Hayes says.

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