Maryland drivers get through icy morning commute

BALTIMORE -- Drivers in Carroll County, met with freezing rain and slick roads, experienced a messy Thursday morning commute.

"You know coming through my neighborhood, it was icy in spots but once we got on 140, it was fine and cars were going the speed limit," Carroll County resident Tom Myers said.

"It's icy out," Carroll County resident Ashley Lipman said. "Thankfully, the main roads are good. I think the back roads are a little, there are some slick spots."

In Carroll County, and in parts of Maryland, ice was sitting on tree limbs, road signs, and cars through the morning. Schools in Carroll County were closed on Thursday.

"This was out all night," Myers said referring to his car. "Was just getting the ice off of it this morning."

"We lucked out this time"

Jim Cook, from Carroll County's Bureau of Roads, said crews were prepared for whatever the winter system brought to the area.

"They've been here all night," Cook said. "This wasn't a real heavy event. We put down a layer of salt. Pretty much, that took care of everything."

He said crews had eyes on a few trouble spots and where the county sees icier conditions.

"Like up in the Manchester, Hampstead area," Cook said. "That's usually a cold area."

Overall, Cook said things could have been worse.

"We lucked out this time," he said.

Throughout the afternoon, icy areas started to melt. Cook said he's not concerned about any refreezing overnight, but crews will be on alert if anything changes.

"We'll keep a couple of trucks loaded just in case we get a couple of spots where we might have to respond," Cook said.

Driving on slick roads

Maryland crews monitored the icy road conditions and were ready to treat the streets.

However, Charlie Gischlar, from the Maryland State Highway Administration, asked drivers to take it easy on slick roads.

"We tell people to be cautious on the elevated sections of roads, the bridges, ramps and overpasses and try to use your low gears," Gischlar said. "You want to be slow. You never want to be in a hurry in any kind of conditions, whether it's dry or wet."

But, if you must drive in icy conditions, Gischlar warns to not panic if your vehicle slides and skids.

"Don't make an aggressive maneuver because that could make things worse," Gischlar said. "They say to always gently turn in the direction of a skid, but also then switch to your lower gears that allows the transmission to slow your vehicle down rather than the braking system."

Drivers should also avoid jamming their brakes and take your time.