BALTIMORE, Maryland – With Thanksgiving just weeks away, Maryland officials are urging drivers to prepare vehicles now for the start of winter driving season. From Baltimore to Frederick, motorists are being reminded that early maintenance and safety planning can prevent breakdowns and travel delays once colder weather and storms arrive later this month.
According to the Maryland Department of Transportation, November is the best time to complete winter prep before the first widespread snow and ice. Drivers should inspect tires, top off antifreeze, check brakes, and replace wiper blades. Officials also advise keeping a winter emergency kit in each vehicle, including blankets, a flashlight, jumper cables, bottled water, snacks, and traction material such as sand or kitty litter.
Travelers using I-95, I-70, or the Chesapeake Bay Bridge during the Thanksgiving rush should allow extra time for congestion and prepare for changing conditions between coastal and mountain regions. “A quick vehicle check today can prevent a serious emergency later,” a Maryland DOT spokesperson said. Motorists are also encouraged to dress in layers, keep fuel tanks at least half full, and charge cell phones before long drives.
The state recommends using MD511 for live traffic, weather, and plow information throughout the season. Officials stress that preparing early helps ensure safe, smooth Thanksgiving travel across Maryland’s highways and secondary roads as winter approaches.
