County Executive Falk Reminds Motorists of Safe Driving Tips for Winter Weather

January 21, 2005
Lesley Sillaman, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823
County Executive

Madison – In anticipation of this weekend’s winter weather, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk urged caution to motorists and issued the following tips for driving in snow and ice. “Winter driving creates special challenges,” said Falk. "Our hard-working highway department has offered the following safe-driving tips for motorists." “With this weekend’s forecast, Dane County expects to operate between 50 and 55 snowplows with about 100 snowplow operators,” said Falk. · When you come upon a snowplow, REDUCE YOUR SPEED. The traveling speed of a snowplow truck ranges from only 5 to 35 miles per hour. · Don’t follow too closely. Snowplow operators often have to stop, turn and back up if they’re clearing an intersection. If you are following too closely, the snowplow driver may not be able to see you. · Try to avoid passing a snowplow. The road ahead of a plow is usually in worse driving condition. If you feel that you must pass, you need to do so with extreme caution and be sure you are able to see the road ahead of the plow. · Be visible. Keep your headlights on at all times when traveling during adverse winter conditions. · Give snowplows and salting trucks plenty of room to operate. Snowplows are wider than one traffic lane. Salting trucks have spinners that distribute materials across two lanes of traffic. ###