Winter weather conditions are expected to continue tonight, beginning around 6, through Sunday morning. Friday night was an icy one with multiple traffic accidents due to icing on roads, including one that shut down I-70 near Mulberry Grove. Freezing rain is expected to continue tonight and later turn to snow, with around half an inch of snow accumulation possible.
Drivers shroud, once again, exercise extreme caution on the roads this evening and Sunday morning. Ice accumulation is expected on untreated roads, sidewalks, and parking lots. “Be careful, take it slow,” IDOT Operations Engineer Chris Smith advised. Smith said that IDOT trucks had been out prepping roadways since Friday afternoon. Motorists should be careful of drivers and watch out for emergency vehicles. “Take caution” Smith continued.
IDOT has offered several tips as part of their “Winter Weather – Get it Together” safety campaign.
- Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois.
- Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions.
- Drop it and drive. Put down the handheld devices – it, too, is the law in Illinois.
- Don’t crowd the plow. A snow plow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you.
- Avoid using cruise control in snow and ice.
- Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous.
- Be especially careful approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas. All of them are prone to icing.
- Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route. Consider taking public transportation if it is an option.
- Prepare an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first aid kit.
- Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency.
- Follow Scott’s Law. Slow down and move over for stopped emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles.
- For a list of suggested maintenance for your car, visit the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration winter driving website.
“Winter driving in Illinois comes with challenges that can be met if you are prepared,” said Illinois Transportation Secretary Randy Blankenhorn. “Our snow and ice teams, as always, are ready for the worst this winter. We’re counting on the public to do its part as well by keeping safety a top priority when traveling.”
Road conditions can be found here!