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IDOT Urges Slowing Down During Winter Months
The theme from the Illinois Department of Transportation for this winter is "Ice and Snow, Take It Slow." Officials there hope drivers will do their part by either staying off the roads during snowstorms, or by driving carefully.

The agency plans to use road salt "more efficiently," and says it will rely more on the sun to melt ice and snow on the highways. IDOT says that should cut down on salt and gasoline use, since prices are high for salt, and gas prices could return to their highest levels. Engineer Roger Driskell says this won't make roads less safe, but wants drivers to be careful anyway.

Illinois State Police Capt. Jim Wolf agrees. He says divers must slow down, take their time, buckle up, and be prepared to handle an accident or a slide off the road. He says state police always dread the first snowstorm of the year because so many drivers have forgotten how to drive in snow and ice since the last storm of the spring, leading to lots of accidents.

IDOT 2008-09 WINTER WEATHER FACTS

43,175 lane miles to plow
1252 truck routes
1,872 trucks
1,675 permanent employees
2,050 temporary employees

SALT USE (in tons)

2007-08 822,477
2006-07 488,331
2005-06 327,464
2004-05 400,598

Other safety tips include:
* Plan ahead and make sure before you head out: is your trip necessary?

* Don't crowd the plow -- remember, a snowplow operator's field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but he may not see you.

* Watch out for black ice – roads that appear clear may be slippery. Take it slow when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges, and shady areas; all are prone to black ice.

* Keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent the vehicle's fuel line from freezing.

* Dress warmly for the weather: Dress in layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing in anticipation of unexpected winter weather emergencies.

* Do not travel unless necessary. If you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and plan ahead with safety in mind.

* Make sure someone is aware of your travel route.

* Carry an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.

* Carry a cell phone.

* Always wear a safety belt.

Motorists are urged to check travel conditions before any trip. You may get interstate condition information by calling 1-800-452-IDOT (4368) or online by CLICKING HERE.

(Illinois Radio Network)
11 11 08 by Newsroom
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