As cold weather approaches, Kentucky State Police are encouraging drivers to keep certain essential items in their vehicle in case of emergency.

What You Need To Know

  • Kentucky State Police encourage Kentuckians to keep a winter weather kit in their car in case of emergencies

  • The kit should include a first aid kit, cellphone charge, blankets, water and snacks and more

  • They also encourage drivers to take it slow when bad weather hits

  • Going downhill, drivers should shift into a lower gear

KSP encourages drivers to create a winter weather kit that includes the following items:

  • A cellphone charger
  • Blankets
  • First aid kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Windshield scraper
  • Collapsible shovel
  • Flashlight with batteries
  • Bottled water and snacks

In addition, state police ask Kentuckians to refrain from calling 911 for road and weather conditions.

“Dialing 911 for road and weather conditions can tie up emergency lines and hinder the response to critical situations,” said KSP spokesperson Capt. Paul Blanton. “We encourage citizens to use our social media channels to access up-to-date information efficiently and allow emergency services to focus on immediate concerns.”

KSP will use Facebook, Twitter and website to share winter weather updates. Before traveling, drivers are encouraged to check road and weather conditions by visiting the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet online traffic, roadway and weather portal website. 

Blanton said even the best drivers need to take it slow when bad weather hits.

“There are three actions you do most when you drive: accelerate, turn and brake. In winter weather, you should only do one of those actions at a time. Attempting more than one of these actions at once can cause slide-outs or spin-outs,” said Blanton. “When traveling downhill, if possible, switch to a lower gear and gently tap your brakes. This helps to avoid burning your brakes, and in winter weather, it helps keep traction.”

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