KY officials urge caution after snow. Tips for driving if you have to be on the roads.

If you didn’t get enough winter weather driving practice in earlier this month, you’re getting another chance after more snow and ice hit the region Sunday night into Monday morning.

In a news release, the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet said the storm “brought heavy snow and hazardous driving conditions to many areas of Kentucky, especially in Central Kentucky and the corridors of southern Interstate 75 and eastern I-64. Kentucky Transportation Cabinet (KYTC) snow and ice crews have been working throughout the day to help keep traffic moving.”

“As always with major winter storms, public safety is our top concern and our top priority,” Gov. Andy Beshear said in the release. “The single most important and effective way to stay safe in extreme winter conditions is to strictly limit travel and remain at home as long as possible.”

Heavy snow and steep terrain made I-75 in southern Kentucky a “particular trouble spot,” the state said, with stop-and-go traffic between Mount Vernon and London Sunday night. “Along the eastern I-64 corridor, heavy snow quickly re-covers roadways after they have been plowed.”

A winter weather advisory remained in effect for much of the region Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Louisville, with continued light snow and hazardous road conditions.

If you must go out in the event of wintry weather, stay safe on the roads with these driving tips, provided in part by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet.

• Prepare your vehicle accordingly. This includes the basics, like having enough gas and making sure your tires have air, but also double check things that could matter most in inclement weather, like tire tread, ensuring your defroster works and topping off anti-freeze fluid.

• Check conditions first. For up-to-date conditions, call 511 from Kentucky or 1-866-737-3767 from another state. You can also visit 511.ky.gov.

• Remove snow and ice accumulation from your vehicle before you hit the road. Don’t just clear a strip of windshield to peer through.

• Have a cold weather supply kit in your vehicle in the event you get stranded. See a list of recommended items below.

• Once you hit the road, slow down and give other vehicles a wide berth. Brake early and slowly when you need to stop, KYTC recommends. Avoid using cruise control.

• Allow yourself more time to get to your destination.

• Do not pass snowplows on the shoulder and give all safety equipment plenty of room to do their job clearing roadways.

• Avoid travel unless absolutely necessary.

What to do in dangerous road conditions

If your car begins to slide on ice, the KYTC recommends you steer into the skid. Don’t panic, ease your foot from the gas and steer your vehicle in the direction you wish to go.

If you become stuck in snow, avoid spinning your wheels. Sand or cat litter from your winter weather car kit can be spread to help you gain traction.

Winter weather car kit

Consider keeping the follow items in your winter weather vehicle kit:

• A first-aid kit

• Shovel

• Ice scraper

• Flashlight and working batteries

• Car cell phone charger

• Sand or cat litter

• Blankets

• Water

• Snacks

Know road conditions

Here’s a breakdown of the classification system the KYTC uses to assess road conditions:

• Wet pavement indicates the roadway is wet and ice could form as the temperature drops.

• Partly covered means the road could have some accumulation of snow, ice or slush.

• Mostly covered indicates the roadway in question is largely covered in accumulation and markings may be difficult to see.

• Completely covered means markings are likely completely obscured under snow, ice or packed accumulation.

• Impassable roads are just that – not suitable for travel.

What to do in an accident

If are involved in an accident with no injuries, clear your vehicle from the roadway if possible and call the police. If more than one party is involved in the collision, exchange information once you are out of traffic.

If you become stranded in the snow or your vehicle is disabled, turn on your emergency flashers. Move the vehicle off the roadway if possible and stay in your car. If you can’t clear your vehicle from the roadway, stand at a safe distance in the vicinity.

Tie something bright to your antenna or elsewhere on your vehicle to indicate you need help.

In or out of your vehicle, keep warm. If inside the vehicle, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.