Shreveport-Bossier Roads Are Improving But Icy Hazards Still Linger

Conditions have improved a bit around Shreveport-Bossier. Roads are in better shape, the sun is shining, things are melting, the power is coming back. The worst is behind us. With the improving conditions, a lot more people are getting out and about.

Despite the improving conditions, the roads are still icy and dangerous. On the way to the office this morning, I hit a couple of rough patches, but overall things were in pretty good shape. However, the scariest part of the drive in wasn't the roads themselves, it was how the other drivers were treating the roads.

READ MORE: UPDATE ON SHREVEPORT-BOSSIER POWER OUTAGES

If You Plan on Driving in Shreveport-Bossier, Read This First

As all local law enforcement has stated the past few days, if you can stay home - do it. However, if you have to get out: need to get out and re-up on supplies, get to work, get gas, whatever - be sure to use extreme caution.

As I mentioned above, driving from my house in Bossier Parish to the office in West Shreveport today, conditions have definitely improved from yesterday. That doesn't mean conditions are perfect. Side roads were still pretty icy and dangerous. And I saw a lot of people doing a lot of dumb things today that could have ended very poorly - speeding, driving in uncleaned lanes, etc..

So, if you have to be on the roads, read this first:

• Clean your car before driving. That 6 inches of ice on top of your car can be dangerous for you and other drivers. You hit your breaks and that slides onto your windshield, you'll be blinded. It falls off the back of your vehicle, and could cause a wreck for other drivers. So, clean your stuff before getting on the road.
• Stay in the cleared lanes. I saw A LOT of people passing folks who were driving slow in uncleared lanes. Saw those same folks fishtail - which thankfully didn't end up for disaster. Stay in cleared spots.
• SLOW DOWN. If you think you're going too slow, slow down some more. It's called black ice for a reason - if there's any there, 99% chance it'll just blend in with the road and you won't see it. Slowing down and being cautious can help you avoid most issues. Saw a LOT of people trying to drive like conditions were normal. They aren't.
• Give yourself plenty of time and space. As mentioned above, I saw a lot of folks speeding and trying to pass others. Speeding and crowding other drivers in these conditions is stupid and dangerous. Take your time, slow down, give plenty of space between you and other drivers to give yourself ample time to break or maneuver.
• No sudden movements. If you hit a patch of ice, the worst thing you can do is make a sudden movement - jerking the steering wheel, slamming on the brakes, anything like that. Keep a couple car lengths between you and the car ahead of you, so you can gradually make a move if it's needed.
• DON'T PANIC. I hit at least 3 or 4 ice spots today. If you feeling like you're floating, that means you've hit ice. Don't slam on the breaks or make any sudden moves. Hold steady and take your foot off the accelerator until you've regained control. If you do start sliding, SLOWLY steer away from the slide. Again, no sudden movements, don't slam on the breaks, or do anything rash.

Conditions are treacherous. But, you can navigate them. Just be smart, give yourself plenty of time, and just because you see someone else doing something, don't feel like you need to match them. Drive in a way that makes you feel safe.