NORTHWEST ARKANSAS – Winter weather has descended upon Northwest Arkansas, creating treacherous conditions on the roads as ice and snow blanket the region. The Arkansas Department of Transportation (ARDOT) recently reported slushy and snowy conditions on major roads including Interstate 49, particularly north of Elm Springs and throughout Benton and Carroll counties.
On Sunday morning, ARDOT crews were proactive, deploying salt brine on roads across various counties including Carroll, Boone, Marion, and Baxter. Yet, due to early morning rain, they were unable to pre-treat roads effectively in Benton County as it washed away. ARDOT spokesperson Dave Parker urged caution, advising travelers to pay close attention to weather forecasts. "I would pay special attention to the forecast and, you know, maybe allow just for a little more time Monday morning," Parker stated.
With road conditions hazardous, safety precautions become more important. Kimma Harper, president of the Driving Academy of Northwest Arkansas, emphasizes the necessity for drivers to adapt to these winter conditions. "Slow down. There is no such thing as driving 'too slow' in icy conditions," she advises, highlighting the dangers presented by accelerated speeds on frozen surfaces.
Harper provides practical advice for those who must venture out during such wintry weather. She insists on the importance of coasting over bridges and shady areas where ice can accumulate: "You should never accelerate or brake over potentially icy spots." This guidance serves to remind drivers to remain vigilant at all times.
Granting additional space between vehicles is also key. Under normal circumstances, the recommendation is to maintain a two-second following distance, but Harper suggests multiplying this by three when weather conditions worsen: “Give yourself plenty of room.”
Compounding the issue, the classic advice of “steering to the skid” is, according to Harper, outdated—driving technology has advanced since those days. Instead, she believes if drivers find themselves skidding, they should ease off the pedals and gently steer toward the direction they want to go, which helps avoid potential accidents.
Maintaining lower gears can also assist drivers during winter conditions, as Harper explains how both manual and automatic vehicles can benefit from slower gears, providing additional control on icy roads. Shifting to neutral when preparing to stop is another useful tip to minimize forward movement.
Tire pressure is another concern when the temperature drops. Harper notes, "With every 10-degree drop in the temperature, you lose one pound per square inch of pressure in your tire." This decrease affects the vehicle's ability to grip the snowy or icy surface effectively, making regular checks mandatory during winter months.
Preparedness is always best, particularly during the winter. Harper suggests keeping emergency supplies stocked year-round, with necessities like blankets and ice scrapers especially pertinent during extreme weather. A half-tank of gas is also recommended to prevent being stranded if travel takes longer than anticipated due to weather conditions.
Reports as of Sunday evening noted similar conditions across the neighboring counties with IDriveArkansas activating its winter weather map, giving drivers access to current road states. A representative from IDriveArkansas has indicated slushy and icy patches exist across highways and interstates, but no major accidents or delays had been reported up until then.
The public is encouraged to refer to the IDriveArkansas website for interactive maps detailing road conditions. It remains clear—the winter weather affecting Northwest Arkansas requires both awareness and caution on the part of all drivers. With conditions likely to fluctuate, prioritizing safety and preparedness is more important than ever.