IDOT, State Police encourage drivers to prepare for winter
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[November 19, 2021]
By Andrew Hensel
(The Center Square) – The Illinois
Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Police have launched
a new campaign to encourage motorists for winter weather.
The agencies also introduced two new snow plows and offered tips for
safe winter driving in Illinois during their "Winter Weather, Get It
Together" campaign.
The campaign is intended to remind drivers of the emerging snow plows
and keep people safe throughout the season.
Illinois Transportation Secretary Omer Osman said that while the IDOT
professionals are preparing, the public should do the same.
“At IDOT, we spend the entire year getting ready for the snow-and-ice
season. Our top priority is making sure our roads are safe for the
motoring public, but we do ask the motoring public to do its part as
well and get prepared,” Osman said.
The state also introduced two new snowplows that will be on the streets
of Illinois this winter: Scoopy Doo and Orange Crush. The names were
picked through a public vote.
Brian Mendenhall, of the Illinois Department of Transportation, said
people to be on the lookout for snowplows when driving and give them
time and room on the road.
"People need to understand we have a large truck, a lot of blindspots,
and can't always see those drivers," Mendenhall said. "So if they can
give us a room that's great, but preferably stay home and let us get the
roads prepared."
Some accidents will happen this winter due to harsh conditions and Jody
Huffman of the Illinois State Police offered tips for drivers that find
themselves in that situation.
"If you end up sliding off the road, do not get out of your vehicle,"
Huffman said "Go ahead and call 911 and ask for a troopers help."
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The Illinois Department of Transportation listed tips for safer winter
driving on their website at GettingAroundIllinois.com:
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Wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. And
it’s your best defense in a crash.
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Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices
– it, too, is the law.
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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.
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Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration,
slower steering, and slower braking are required throughout the
winter.
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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 is one less resource available
to clear the roads.
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Watch out for black ice. A road may appear
clear but can be treacherous.
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Be especially careful when approaching
intersections, ramps, bridges, and shaded areas. All are prone
to icing.
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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.
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Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of
emergency.
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Give them distance. Obey the Move Over Law by
slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped
vehicle with flashing lights.
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