Here We Go With the Snow!
MoDOT reminds drivers to adjust to driving conditions
January 11, 2012
Reposted from MoDOT News Release
HANNIBAL – Northeast Missouri, so far, has had a pretty mild winter, and it’s been just about one month since the last snow fall. MoDOT wants to remind drivers to be ready to adjust to driving conditions as the predicted snow flies over the next 24 hours.
“We have had some really nice weather this winter, and we all tend to forget how to drive when we have snow and ice on the roads,” said MoDOT Maintenance and Traffic Engineer Jennifer Hinson. The predictions include up to four inches of snow, yet MoDOT is also concerned about the potential for black ice. “Because we’ve had warmer weather, and the temperature is expected to drop significantly, it leaves the potential for snow to melt on the road then freeze causing black ice,” Hinson explained. “It is difficult to tell the difference between black ice and water, so drivers need to slow down and be cautious when they see wet pavement,” she added.
MoDOT crews have taken advantage of the nice winter weather to work on shoulders, ditches, and fill potholes, but they are ready to fight the snow and ice. Hinson reminds drivers to stay behind snow plows at least 100 feet as they work to clear the roads. “We focus on the major roads first, like the interstate, 61, 36, and after these are near normal, we’ll get to the smaller roads,” she explained. She also suggests to not drive with cruise control on during precipitation.
MoDOT’s online traveler information map at modot.org shows road conditions all over the state, and its customer service center is operational 24/7. Those traveling are encouraged to call 1-888-275-6636.
Links to related information:
MoDOT Traveler Information Map
MoDOT Traveler Information Smartphone App
