Some areas have already experienced the first snow of the year, but undoubtedly, more is yet to come. If there is one thing I have learned from my many years in the Hoosier state, the weather can be unpredictable, which requires us to be prepared.
While we do not yet know when the snow will come or how much will fall, the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) has been preparing for winter since the snow and ice melted last spring. Each winter, INDOT is tasked with removing snow and preventing ice on more than 11,000 miles of interstate, U.S. highway and state routes throughout Indiana.
To date, they already have more than 193,000 tons of salt on hand and have been holding job fairs across the state to hire seasonal and full-time plow drivers. If this is something you are interested in, you can still apply by visiting www.careers.in.gov.
With a fleet of more than 1,000 plow trucks driving 2-3 hours per route, we will likely all encounter one of these snowplows on the road this winter. These vehicles often travel below the speed limit and may cross the centerline or shoulder due to their large size. When the roads are covered in ice and snow, it takes more time for your vehicle to slow down, so it is important to keep a safe distance and allow snowplow drivers room to do their job.
While it is never safe to tailgate, a limited field of vision makes even passing a snowplow dangerous. If you must pass, keep in mind that the driver may not be able to see you. Moreover, your own vision may be restricted by the snow cloud which often surrounds working plows.
When the weather becomes treacherous, I prefer to just stay home, but sometimes, that isn’t practical. If you must venture out into the elements, be sure to check local road conditions and travel advisories by visiting www.in.gov/dhs/traveladvisory. When checking this site, you may find it necessary to account for additional travel time.
While these tips are invaluable to remaining safe this winter, it is equally important to have a well maintained vehicle. Before it gets too cold, consider checking your tire pressure, tread depth and brake function, as well as windshield wiper blades and fluid.
Sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, Mother Nature throws us a curve ball. Most winter accidents however are a result of driving at an unsafe speed given the road conditions. Just by exercising a bit of caution, you can lower your chances of being involved in an accident, so for your own safety and that of those around you, consider slowing down this winter.
To learn more about staying safe on the roads this winter, do not hesitate to contact my office at 317-234-3827 or visit the INDOT website at www.in.gov/indot/2439.htm.
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