Drivers should be cautious on the roadways as a mix of snow, sleet and rain is forecasted for southeast Iowa Wednesday night through Thursday.

Washington County Sheriff Jared Schneider reminds drivers to budget some extra time to get their vehicle cleared and road ready and reach their destination on time in case of hazardous conditions. Schneider recommends checking the Iowa 511 website or mobile app for road conditions. When the roads are slick, he urges not to use cruise control, and if you happen to fishtail, he says not to panic, “Don’t think that applying the brakes is what you need to do because that’s going to make your situation worse than it already is. Stay calm, and knowing your vehicle is the best thing in winter driving on how it’s going to respond. That’s why young drivers sometimes have some issues is the lack of experience.”

Schneider adds that winter weather events can be a scary time for him and other emergency responders when it comes to assisting with wrecks or motorists on the side of the road. When approaching any vehicle with flashing lights Schneider asks to slow down and move to the other lane if possible. Listen to KCII for weather updates.