NYSDOT Reminds Motorists: Use Caution When Driving in Winter Weather

ALBANY, NY (12/14/2009)(readMedia)-- Recent snowfall was a brisk reminder for motorists across the State that the winter driving season is upon us. New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee and Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael Fleisher today took the opportunity to remind motorists and pedestrians to travel safely and use caution around snow plows this winter season.

"The Department of Transportation strives to keep our roadways as safe as possible, but motorists must remember to use caution when driving during winter storms, as snow and ice may quickly accumulate on road and bridge surfaces," Acting Commissioner Gee said. "Snow plows are an essential tool in snow and ice removal, but they are also huge, heavy machines that are not easily maneuvered and therefore it is important for drivers to keep a safe distance behind and never attempt to pass snow plows."

"The Thruway Authority's snowplow operators have the important task of keeping the Thruway clear of snow and ice during the winter season so that motorists can safely reach their destinations, but motorists are asked to drive responsibly by remaining attentive in inclement weather," said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. "While it is true the safest place to drive during a snowstorm is in the lane a plow has just cleared, motorists should always maintain a safe following distance behind the plow; never tailgate."

This winter season, the department will continue to focus on improving operational efficiency by reinforcing a "no idling" policy that prevents operators from leaving engines running when plows are not being used; recalibrating the equipment that applies salt to ensure uniform application; and paying careful attention to salt application rates to ensure plow drivers statewide are adhering to department guidelines. These actions will allow the department to reduce costs without affecting actual snow and ice removal.

As always, NYSDOT will focus on preventing snow and ice from bonding to the road through the use of salt and other chemical treatments, such as salt brine and liquid magnesium chloride, applied just prior to or during winter storms.

Snow plow operators typically drive at 35 mph when plowing and applying salt. Driving at this speed ensures that more salt will stick to the road surface where it can be most effective in keeping snow and ice from bonding to the pavement, and less salt can scatter off of the roadway. Multi-lane highways are cleared by teams of plows working side-by-side. This practice is generally the safest and most efficient way to plow highways.

Motorists should expect to see snow on the roads during winter storms, even while plows are operating. Plow operators are responsible for removing the bulk of snow, but some snow and slush will remain and further accumulate between passes.

While driving a plow truck, lone operators control the nose plow, which can be fixed or reversible, on the front of the truck, the right-wing plow that pushes snow off to the right and, when equipped, the left-wing plow that pushes snow to the left. The plow operator also controls salt discharge from the cab of the truck. This is all done in extreme weather conditions, including snow, sleet or freezing rain, and oftentimes after dark or during dense, rush-hour traffic.

Snow plows are approximately 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. The size and weight of these vehicles makes it difficult to stop quickly and maneuver easily. Sight distances are limited on a snow plow, so motorists should not attempt to pass plows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists is well behind a snow plow where the roadway is clear and salted.

Approximately 3,500 trained snow plow operators are responsible for keeping more than 35,000 miles of state roadway clear day and night. A fleet of 1,400 snow plows, 330 bucket loaders, which are used for loading salt into snow plows, and 50 snow blowers, are employed by the department for routine winter operations. An estimated one million tons of salt are used each season, depending on weather severity, in addition to a variety of other anti-icing chemicals. The department's budget for keeping the roads clear this winter is $284 million.

A travel advisory system is featured through NYSDOT's 511 phone service and at www.511ny.org. A color-coded map on the Web site indicates which state roads are snow covered, ice covered, wet, dry, and experiencing white-out conditions or closed, to help travelers determine if travel is advisable. The system provides real time snow and ice conditions for interstates and other heavily traveled roads, directly from our maintenance operators.

The department's Web site, https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/driver-safety features an interactive safe driving Web experience that includes tips for safe driving in winter weather conditions, a video demonstrating the proper method for steering out of a skid, a winter driving quiz and a video that allows visitors to experience the conditions snow plow operators face each winter.

Motorists may obtain information on Thruway road conditions 24 hours a day by calling toll-free, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929). The Thruway's TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-253-6244. Information regarding winter travel can also be obtained on the Authority's website, www.nysthruway.gov ( http://www.nysthruway.gov ), or by clicking: Winter Travel Advisory from the homepage. The latest forecasts by the National Weather Service (NWS) for regions along the Thruway are available on the Authority's website at www.nysthruway.com/weather (http://www.nysthruway.gov/weather/index.html). Local NWS weather forecasts are also broadcasted on the Thruway Authority's Highway Advisory Radio.

Michael Burgess, Director of the New York State Office for the Aging notes that adverse driving conditions are a good reason for all citizens, including the elderly, to put off any unnecessary travel until such time as the state and local highway departments clear the roads of snow and ice. "If you absolutely must drive in winter conditions to get to an important appointment or commitment make certain to follow the guidance provided by NYSDOT. If you can reschedule until the roads are clear, then do so. With the excellent work done by dedicated workers across the state, the wait will not be long," Burgess said.

Romana Ciolko-Apkarian, AAA Hudson Valley Manager Marketing and Public Relations, said, "Make sure your car is ready for winter driving. Have a trusted mechanic check and service it if needed. It's also a good idea to keep an emergency driving kit, a warm blanket and a small shovel, as well as some non-perishable food and water in the trunk. AAA wishes motorists a safe winter driving season."

Some of the most important tips for safe winter driving include the following:

• Never follow a snow plow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow covered;
• Adjust speed for road conditions and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles;
• Schedule extra time for winter travel and be patient during ice and snow removal operations;
• Assume that bridge surfaces are slippery, as they freeze more quickly than road surfaces;
• Have a cell phone handy, if possible, but remember, state law requires it be used with a hands-free device if talking while driving;
• Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound;
• Equip your car with emergency supplies, including water, shovel, flares, booster cables, rope, ice scraper, portable radio, flashlight and extra warm clothes;
• Inform a responsible person of your destination, intended route and estimated time of arrival; and
• Keep calm and do not panic in case of a vehicle breakdown, accident or if you become snowbound.

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