11/30/11 As the snow falls in northern Indiana, the Indiana Department of Transportation’s (INDOT) LaPorte District has plow and salt trucks ready to treat the roads.
Once again this winter, drivers will be able to track road conditions across the state. During snow and ice events, www.TrafficWise.in.gov will be updated to let drivers know if road conditions are good, fair or difficult. The information will also be available by calling 800-261-ROAD (7623).
“We’re encouraging Hoosier drivers to remember proper winter driving techniques. Drivers should slow down and allow additional space between other vehicles,” said Mike McPhillips, LaPorte District Deputy Commissioner.
McPhillips also urged drivers to be alert while driving near snow plows on all state and local roads. The LaPorte District maintains 5,668 lane miles of state roads, including 560 lane miles of interstate.
INDOT is encouraging drivers to ready their vehicles for winter and review the driving tips below to prepare for a safe winter:
- ACCELERATE GRADUALLY on ice or snow to avoid slipping and sliding
- DRIVE SLOWLY and carefully to avoid rear-end collisions and sliding on curves
- ALLOW GREATER DISTANCE behind the car ahead; it takes more time to stop on snow and ice
- BRAKE EARLY, break slowly, never slam on the brakes; if you have anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it; if you don’t, gently pump the pedal
- NO CRUISE CONTROL, avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
- MAINTAIN GOOD VISIBILITY, stay alert
- GIVE SNOWPLOWS ROOM to operate; don’t tailgate or try to pass
For additional winter driving tips, please visit www.winterdrivingsafety.in.gov.
