As rain and snow are predicted for Washington County this weekend, motorists are advised of extra precautions they should take when on the road.

Washington County Emergency Management Coordinator Marissa Reisen says if you must drive during a winter storm, make sure to have a fully charged cell phone, car charger, and an emergency supply kit with you. While clearing a vehicle of snow and ice may feel like a hassle, Reisen warns that flying snow from vehicles causes accidents, “Make sure all the snow and ice are cleaned off your car not just for your safety but for the safety of those around you. And then headlights, if you’re having any difficulty seeing or if it’s dawn or dusk, or even a really cloudy gray day, reach down and turn your headlights on. It makes it easier for you to be seen, not so much makes it easier for you to see anything. And the big thing with the headlights, when you turn them on is that it also turns on the taillights. If you’ve got daytime running lights it does not turn your taillights on so the car’s coming up behind you, it’s hard to see if you don’t have your headlights on.”

Reisen adds that if you are having trouble seeing due to weather conditions, pull over to the side of the road and stop your car until visibility improves. She also says to  use your hazard lights when stopped so that another car won’t mistakenly follow your taillights and end up hitting you. Whenever winter weather affects the listening area, listen to KCII for weather and road condition updates as well as area cancellations.