GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. — The Gwinnett County Police is encouraging motorists to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary due to a winter storm that has caused messy and problematic road conditions across Georgia.

“The police department and other county partners have responded to numerous road issues and vehicle accidents,” Gwinnett County police said. “The police department is encouraging everyone to stay off the roadways unless absolutely necessary.”

The National Weather Service in Peachtree City issued a Winter Storm Warning for Metro Atlanta on Friday. Sleet and snow showers moved into Metro Atlanta on Friday morning accumulating over an inch of snow in some areas.

While many people have made the most of the winter storm by sledding, snowboarding, making a snowman, many motorists have experienced issues due to the road conditions.

Gwinnett County Police shared photos showing a Publix truck spinning out on a road with ice and snow on the ground and other cars getting stuck on snow and ice.

Police also said there were wires that were down across Buford Drive that led to the road being closed.

AAA has listed many road safety tips on their website.

• Stay home. Only go out if necessary. Even if you can drive well in bad weather, it’s better to avoid taking unnecessary risks by venturing out.
• Drive slowly. Always adjust your speed down to account for lower traction when driving on snow or ice.
• Accelerate and decelerate slowly. Apply the gas slowly to regain traction and avoid skids. Don’t try to get moving in a hurry and take time to slow down for a stoplight. Remember: It takes longer to slow down on icy roads.
• Increase your following distance to five to six seconds. This increased margin of safety will provide the longer distance needed if you have to stop.
• Know your brakes. Whether you have antilock brakes or not, keep the heel of your foot on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply firm, steady pressure on the brake pedal.
• Don’t stop if you can avoid it. There’s a big difference in the amount of inertia it takes to start moving from a full stop versus how much it takes to get moving while still rolling. If you can slow down enough to keep rolling until a traffic light changes, do it.
• Don’t power up hills. Applying extra gas on snow-covered roads will just make your wheels spin. Try to get a little inertia going before you reach the hill and let that inertia carry you to the top. As you reach the crest of the hill, reduce your speed and proceed downhill slowly.
• Don’t stop going up a hill. There’s nothing worse than trying to get moving up a hill on an icy road. Get some inertia going on a flat roadway before you take on the hill.