TDOT Reminds Drivers, “When There’s Ice and Snow, Take It Slow”

NASHVILLE – Snow is already falling in areas of Tennessee and Tennessee Department of Transportation maintenance forces are committed to keeping the volunteer state’s Interstates, U.S. Highways and State Routes clear of ice and snow this winter season. December 1, 2008 marks the beginning of Winter Driving Safety Week. TDOT is teaming up with the Tennessee Highway Patrol to remind drivers when there’s Ice and Snow: Take it Slow.

 

“TDOT crews in several parts of the state are already on the job keeping our roadways free of ice and snow,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “Our maintenance crews do a great job of keeping the roadways clear of ice and snow, but it’s important for drivers to remember that no matter how clear the roads may look, winter conditions still call for different driving tactics, so when you’re driving in ice and snow, take it slow – slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.”

 

TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial * THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road.

 

Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell added, “Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers are ready to assist those who need help on the road, but the best way a motorist can help is to be prepared before hitting the road by properly maintaining your vehicle, clearing your windshield of ice and snow and making sure your tires are road ready.”

 

When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT maintenance crews will focus on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes first, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, like hills curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.

 

TDOT Maintenance Director Greg Duncan reminds motorists: don’t crowd the plow. “When our crews hit the road, it’s important for motorists to use caution around snowplows. Make sure you maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate or stop too close to a snowplow. They are usually spreading salt or brine from the back of the truck and those materials can damage vehicle paint.”

 

TDOT currently has more than 200,000 tons of salt and more than 1.6 million gallons of salt brine ready for use. The department dedicates more than $10 million a year to snow and ice removal operations across the state. During a typical snow event, crews begin by first apply anti-icing brine to roadways. Sand, salt and calcium chloride may then be used to remove any accumulating snow and ice.

 

TDOT also monitors roadway conditions through the Roadway Information System (RWIS). The department has 37 RWIS stations statewide. The stations monitor a variety of weather related factors such as air temperatures; dew-point; wind speed/direction; precipitation types and rates; and asphalt temperatures.  The system alerts TDOT maintenance supervisors when freezing conditions are imminent.

 

All Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the Tennessee 511 website at www.tn511.com or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone. 

 

For motorists that do plan to venture out into winter weather, the Department of Safety has a number of winter driving safety tips at www.state.tn.us/safety/WinterDrivingChecklist.pdf.

 

Here is a look at some of TDOT’s winter maintenance statistics from a statewide perspective.

 

 

 

 

 

For more information about TDOT winter weather preparations visit the TDOT's Ice and Snow web page (http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/mediaroom/snowbuster.htm).