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 Because of the continuing threat of COVID-19,
planning and preparation, as well as patience and understanding,
will be needed more than ever from drivers this winter.
“Our snow-and-ice response teams have prepared throughout the year
to make this upcoming winter driving season as safe as possible.
Whenever you see them doing their jobs, please slow down and give
them room to work,” said Acting Illinois Transportation Secretary
Omer Osman. “This year, we need the public to always be planning
ahead and truly asking themselves before heading out if snow and ice
are in the forecast: Is this trip really necessary?
“Like everyone else, we feel the effects of COVID-19 at IDOT.
Although we are taking every precaution we can to keep employees
safe, we are prepared for the possibility our staffing levels this
winter will be impacted by the coronavirus.”
Since the start of the pandemic, IDOT has adopted several measures
to help keep frontline personnel safe, including frequent cleaning
and disinfecting of facilities and equipment. Employees responsible
for snow-and-ice removal are instructed to wear masks, socially
distance and avoid congregating in common areas at all times.
Contingency plans will be in place to provide coverage and clear
roads as quickly as possible if workers need to be quarantined, but
response times could be affected.
At all times, motorists should be mindful of winter driving skills
and build extra time into their schedules in the months ahead. As
part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, travelers
are encouraged to follow these simple guidelines:
• Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions
24/7.
• Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. And it’s your best
defense if you are involved in a crash.
• Drop it and drive. Put down the devices – it, too, is the law.
• Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely
necessary. If you do have to drive, check the forecast and make sure
someone is aware of your route. Familiarize yourself with public
transportation options.
• Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration,
slower steering and slower braking are required throughout the
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• Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is
restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you. Any plow that’s hit must
be pulled out of service, resulting in one less resource available to clear the
roads.
• Watch out for black ice. A road may appear clear but can be treacherous.
• Be especially careful when approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and
shaded areas. All are prone to icing.
• Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors,
windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets,
non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
• Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. For emergency
assistance in the Chicago area, call *999.
• Give them distance. Obey the Move Over Law by slowing down and changing lanes
when approaching ANY stopped vehicle with flashing lights.
• For more winter driving tips, check out this short
IDOT video.
For the upcoming winter, IDOT will have more than 1,800 trucks available for
deployment to plow almost 16,000 miles of roads statewide, the equivalent of
driving from New York to Los Angeles and back almost six times. Last year, IDOT
spread more than 427,000 tons of salt statewide. This winter, salt domes
throughout the state are close to capacity, with more than 466,000 tons on hand,
twice the weight of the Willis Tower.
“The men and women of the Illinois State Police will face additional dangers on
patrol during winter weather months while protecting and serving all motorists,”
said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Please refrain from driving unless it is
essential. If you must get on the road, remember to adjust your driving to the
weather and road conditions. Winter road conditions are unpredictable and a
crash could happen at any moment. The fewer drivers on the road, the fewer
crashes, the safer everyone will be. If you approach an emergency vehicle with
its lights activated or a disabled vehicle with flashing lights, please slow
down and move over. Our goal is to ensure everyone makes it home safely.”
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |
