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

November 30, 2007
Joshua Wescott, Office of the County Executive (608) 267-8823 or cell (608) 669-5606

(Madison) - In anticipation of this weekend’s winter weather, Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk is urging motorists to use caution when traveling. She joined County Public Works, Highways and Transportation Commissioner/Director Jerry Mandli at a news conference Friday to offer several tips for drivers given the snow and ice conditions that are forecast. “Winter weather creates special challenges for everyone but the hard-working men and women of our highway department are ready for this first big winter storm,” Falk said. “We’ve invested in nearly 100 snowplow operators and have 58 snowplows ready to keep our roads as safe as possible for travel during the weekend storm.” Dane County spends about $17.8 million a year to operate the Highway Department. Winter Driving Tips -- 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. # # #