Motorists in the KCII-listening area should expect a snowy evening commute Friday, as the National Weather Service Quad Cities Office predicts a 70% chance of snow after noon.

Iowa traffic deaths reached a five-year high of 354 in 2021, and District 13 Iowa State Patrol Public Resource Officer Jason Marlow seeks to not repeat history due to unsafe driving during winter weather. If your windshield is covered with snow or ice, Marlow urges you to clear the entire windshield and the rest of your vehicle before you hit the road, so that you have the clearest visibility and don’t possibly affect other motorists with flying snow. He also advises to pay attention to your surroundings and places of interest in case you were to end up in the ditch, “Now that sounds simple and for most listeners they know where they’re at during travel. However, if conditions worsen, if you’re not familiar with the area. The number of people that have probably called 911 over the years and said, ‘I’m somewhere between Cedar Rapids and St. Louis.’ Well, that’s a huge area.”

Marlow says it’s especially helpful to dispatchers if you can tell them what town, mile marker, or other road sign you may have passed so emergency responders can arrive as soon as possible. He reminds motorists to slow down during wintry conditions, give other vehicles extra room, and keep an emergency supply kit with extra clothing, blankets, food, and water in case you end up on the side of the road for several hours. Listen to KCII for weather updates.