12/31/12  On this New Year’s Eve snow is already falling in parts of Northwest Indiana and Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) drivers are already plowing and salting, in addition to pre-treating dry roads with anti-icing solutions ahead of any predicted accumulation. Snow is expected to continue through the overnight hours as dozens of INDOT drivers welcome 2013 behind the wheel of a 13-ton plow truck. INDOT will be doing its part to make state highways as safe as possible, and asks drivers to celebrate responsibly when travelling to and from New Year’s Eve festivities.

INDOT’s top winter priority is snow and ice removal on its 30,000 lane miles of interstates, U.S. highways, and state routes.

In an effort to reduce the number of deaths and injuries during the winter holidays, Indiana’s public safety agencies are reminding Hoosiers that “Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving.” During last year’s mild winter, there were 176 collisions and one fatality on Indiana roadways between Dec. 23, 2011 and Jan. 3, 2012. The Indiana Criminal Justice Institute website offers four tips for celebrating responsibly and other information at http://in.gov/cji/3586.htm:

  1. Plan ahead; be sure to designate a sober driver before the party begins.
  2. Even one drink too many increases the risk of a crash while driving a motor vehicle. If you are impaired, find another way home. Use a taxi, call a sober friend or family member, or use public transportation.
  3. If you plan to host a party and serve alcohol, make sure that you also serve food and offer non-alcoholic beverages. Never let your guests leave without ensuring that they have a safe way to get home. Allow guests to sleepover or stay longer until they are sober and able to drive.
  4. Be responsible. If someone you know is drinking, do not let that person get behind the wheel. If you see an impaired driver on the road, contact law enforcement. Your actions may save a life, and inaction could cost a life.

For road conditions and closures during winter weather in Northwest Indiana, like us at Facebook.com/INDOTNorthwest and follow us at Twitter.com/INDOTNorthwest.

You can find traffic restriction information at www.trafficwise.IN.gov.  Contact the LaPorte District toll free at 1-855-GO-INDOT.