Snow causing travel troubles across RI, State Police reports

The first taste of Winter hit southern New England Thursday, as snow swept across Rhode Island and created a bit of travel trouble during the later evening commute.

State Police reported that by 9:00 p.m. they responded to 35 weather related crashes around the state.

Sgt. Jason Lawton said it is not unusual to see more crashes for the first seasonal snow.

“We generally see people aren’t prepared for these adverse conditions,” Lawton said. “What we’re looking to do is get a message out there. It’s early in the season.”

The message the department has is to drive slow, increase following distance and give yourself extra time on your commutes as we head into the Winter season.

Lawton also wants the public to know that you must clean off your cars entirely from snow or you could get a ticket.

“That snow over time turns into blocks of ice and driving on the interstate it can fly up in the air and strike other vehicles on the highway causing damage,” he said. “Begin to prepare for the upcoming Winter season and it looks like it’s upon us.”

State Police are working with RIDOT to keep an eye on trouble spots on the highways and getting them cleaned up.