NYSDOT Reminds Motorists to Drive Cautiously During Winter Weather Events

ALBANY, NY (12/01/2010)(readMedia)-- With winter weather fast approaching, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee today reminded travelers to drive safely in slippery conditions, use caution near snowplows and adhere to the rules of the road during any related power outages.

"The New York State Department of Transportation has staff and equipment ready to make the roads safe throughout the winter," Acting Commissioner Gee said. "During storms there may be ice and snow on the roads, so we urge motorists to obey the rules of the road, exercise caution, drive slowly and limit travel when appropriate."

NYSDOT strives to have roads cleared of snow and ice within two hours after a storm ends. Approximately 3,650 trained snowplow operators and supervisors are responsible for keeping nearly 38,635 lane miles of state roadway clear day and night. A fleet of more than 1,400 snowplows, 335 bucket loaders, which are used for loading salt into snowplows, and 50 snow blowers, are used by the Department for routine winter operations. An approximately 900,000 tons of salt along with a variety of other anti-icing chemicals are used each season, depending on weather severity, throughout the winter. The Department's budget for keeping the roads clear this winter is $300 million.

Snowplows travel at about 35 miles per hour - which in many cases is lower than the posted speed limit – in order to ensure that salt being dispersed stays in the driving lanes and does not scatter off the roadways. Oftentimes on interstate highways, snowplows will operate side by side to clear several lanes at one time.

Motorists and pedestrians should never assume a snowplow driver can see them. Snowplow drivers have limited sight distances, with the wing blades of the vehicle obscuring their side views. The size and weight of snowplows make it very difficult to maneuver and stop quickly. Snow blowing from behind the plow can severely reduce visibility or cause "whiteout" conditions. Motorists should not attempt to pass snowplows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists is well behind the snowplows where the roadway is clear and salted.

On occasion winter storms can cause power outages at intersections, causing lighting signals to fail to work. Pursuant to Vehicle and Traffic Law, motorists are advised that at intersections where the traffic control signal is not working at all they should proceed as they would at a stop sign, unless otherwise directed by a police officer on site.

NYSDOT provides a travel advisory system that features real-time travel reports and can be accessed by phone at 511 or online at www.511ny.org. The website features a color-coded map indicating which state roads are snow covered, ice covered, wet, dry, 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 snowplow operators face each winter.

NYSDOT participates in Clear Roads, a winter highway maintenance research organization comprised of 18 states that are working to develop and evaluate and newest winter operations technologies. Clear Roads also focuses on raising awareness for winter driving safety, promoting the initiative that if you see Ice and Snow, Take It Slow.

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

· Never follow a snowplow too closely or attempt to pass one. Remember that the highway ahead of the plow is usually snow-covered;

· During a winter storm, drivers will encounter snow- and ice-covered roads even when plows are operating. Drivers must exercise extreme care and diligence while traveling during winter weather;

· 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;

· Never venture from your vehicle if snowbound;

· Equip your car with emergency supplies including sand, 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.