State prepares for storm

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)-- People all across Connecticut are gearing up for Friday's storm.

"Oh yeah, once I go in now, I've got my van gassed up, and I don't go out anymore," said Joe Deeley, of East Haven.

He's not alone. Seasoned New Englanders know common sense starts before a storm.

"In adverse snow conditions, they have proper tires, wipers, and fueled up.  There's nothing more aggravating than to have a motorist run out of fuel," said Lt. J. Paul Vance, Connecticut State Police.

The Department of Transportation says it's ready with its 600 plus fleet of trucks.  Emergency responders are prepared, too.

"We'll have a significant amount of people on duty; we'll supplement that with additional manpower, and then, the rest of our off-duty personnel are all on call, prepared to respond if it's required," said Vance.

State Police are stating the obvious: if the going gets bad, try to stay off the roads, if you possibly can.  And, one of the problems they say crops up quite a bit in bad conditions, has to do with bigger vehicles.

"People with SUV's or four-wheel drives believe that they can't spin out, believe that they won't crash, and go too fast.  Invariably we see a higher than normal number of crashes involving four-wheel-drive vehicles from people that are simply going too fast," said Vance.

"I saw a lot of it commuting to Hartford for four years.  I saw a lot of it, and they are crazy," said Michele Distasio, of Wallingford.

Whatever you drive, if you get in to trouble, there's a rule you must follow.  The life you save might be your own.

"If you can move your vehicle without causing additional damage or any type of injury, the law says you're obligated to do that.  Get yourself out of harm's way, to safety.  Troopers will come and will assist you in that accident investigation," said Vance.