SPRINGFIELD, Ill. — Every winter, when the snow starts coming down, the Illinois Department of Transportation sends out more than 1,800 trucks to plow over 17,000 miles of roads across the state. And every year, some unfortunate drivers end up needing a helping hand to get out of some sticky situations.
Fortunately, IDOT officials have released a list of tips to help drivers keep themselves from ending up in a ditch. While much of this advice may seem familiar to seasoned winter drivers, there's something else to keep in mind for the season. Officials with the Illinois DOT said that it may take crews longer to clear snow and ice from the roads due to challenges with staffing. The winter response team has lost approximately 10% to 15% of its staff since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here's what officials want you to know:
- Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com to check travel conditions 24/7 before heading out.
- 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 and ridesharing options.
- Give yourself plenty of extra time. Slow down and increase the distance between other vehicles. Give yourself extra time.
- 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 that are prone to icing and can become extremely slick.
- Don't crowd the plow. You might see them, but they might not see you. Also, road conditions are much better behind than in front of the plow. Any plow that's hit is one less resource available to clear the roads.
- Prepare an emergency kit with jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit.
- Always wear a seat belt. It's the law in Illinois. And it's your best defense in a crash.
- Drop it and drive. Put down the mobile devices. This, too, is the law.
- Give them distance. Obey the Move Over law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching ANY stopped vehicle.
- Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
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