TDOT Reminds Drivers, “When there’s Ice and Snow, Take it Slow”
National Campaign Highlights Safe Winter Driving Practices

Nashville, Tenn. – The Tennessee Department of Transportation’s maintenance forces are committed to keeping the state’s interstates, U.S. highways and state routes clear during the upcoming winter season. This year, TDOT and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are also joining a new national safe winter driving campaign called, “Ice and Snow: Take it Slow.”

“TDOT is ready to work around the clock to keep our roadways clear of ice and snow this winter,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We also want drivers to remember that winter conditions call for different driving tactics, so when you’re driving in ice and snow, take it slow – slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.”

TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial * THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road.

Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell added, “Tennessee Highway Patrol Troopers are ready to assist those who need help on the road, but the best way a motorist can help is to be prepared before hitting the road by properly maintaining your vehicle, clearing your windshield of ice and snow and making sure your tires are road ready.”

When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT maintenance crews will focus on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes first, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing, like hills curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.

“When our crews hit the road, it’s important for motorists to use caution around snowplows,” said TDOT Maintenance Director Greg Duncan. “Make sure you maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate or stop too close to a snowplow. They are usually spreading salt or brine from the back of the truck and those materials can damage vehicle paint.”

TDOT currently has nearly 200,000 tons of salt and more than 1.6 million gallons of salt brine ready for use. The department dedicates more than $12.6 million a year to snow and ice removal operations across the state. During a typical snow event, crews begin by first apply anti-icing brine to roadways. Sand, salt and calcium chloride may then be used to remove any accumulating snow and ice.

TDOT also monitors roadway conditions through the Roadway Information System (RWIS). The department has 37 RWIS stations statewide. The stations monitor a variety of weather related factors such as air temperatures; dew-point; wind speed/direction; precipitation types and rates; and asphalt temperatures. The system alerts TDOT maintenance supervisors when freezing conditions are imminent.

All Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the Tennessee 511 website at www.tn511.com or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone.

“It’s important to plan ahead before you leave the house,” Nicely added. “So before you leave home, ask yourself, if it’s snowing should I be going?”

For motorists that do plan to venture out into winter weather, the Department of Safety has a number of winter driving safety tips at www.state.tn.us/safety/WinterDrivingChecklist.pdf.

Here is a look at some of TDOT’s winter maintenance statistics from a statewide perspective.

• Salt Trucks: 846
• Salt (tons): 175,077
• Salt Brine (gallons): 1,694,657
• Salt Bins: 119
• 2007-2008 available budget for winter weather needs: $12,642,035
• 2006-2007 statewide winter-weather cost summary: $8,100,556.51
• R.W.I.S. weather stations: 37

Winter maintenance supplies by region are as follows (approximated):

For photographic purposes, RWIS weather stations may be found at the following locations:

Region One: I-640 at Pleasant Ridge Road near Western Avenue Exit
Region Two: !-24 east near Old Ringgold Road overpass on Missionary Ridge near mile marker 181.
Region Three: Briley Parkway & the Cumberland River Bridge near Ford Glass Company.
Region Four: I-55 at I-40 in Shelby County.

For more information about TDOT winter weather preparations visit the TDOT web site at www.tennessee.gov/tdot and click on the Ice and Snow: Take it Slow logo.