(January 21, 2012) – While the metro area’s first snowfall of 2012 was not a skier’s dream, it was enough to cover ground, trees and roads with white icy snow. As the wintry mix dropped, State Highway Administration (SHA) and Maryland Transportation Authority (MDTA) crews worked through the night to clear every last flake and frozen droplet from highways. SHA and MDTA are sending crews home to rest but keeping teams on shifts for icy patches or problems.
“The biggest concern tonight is ice, one of the most treacherous conditions for everyone on the road,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Melting ice and snow from trees, vehicles and roadsides can refreeze on the road and create serious problems for drivers. While crews treated highways with salt, isolated spots are likely, especially on elevated surfaces, bridges and near drains, slopes and curves. If you must drive, take it slow in ice and snow.”
Drivers should check conditions at
www.traffic.maryland.gov and
www.MD511.org or call 511 (1-855-GOMD511 outside the region) for current travel and weather information. Once you visit the 511 website, sign up to follow 511 on Twitter with regional alerts and create your own personalized service with MY511 by registering your frequent routes. MY511 will recognize you upon return visits or calls and bypass general information, reporting your route information first, saving you time.
If traveling longer distances, the I-95 Corridor Coalition is a resource to plan ahead by visiting the web at
www.I95coalition.org. For general information, follow @MDSHA on Twitter and visit
www.roads.maryland.gov.
SHA reminds everyone on the road BSAFE: Buckle up; Slow down - speed limits are set for fair weather conditions; Always drive sober; Focus on the road and Everyone share the road so everyone gets home. Additionally, see and be seen by clearing your entire vehicle of ice; allow extra time, don’t rush; watch for pedestrians navigating icy conditions on foot; make sure wipers work and fill washer fluid – an absolute must for visibility.
Please follow key safety laws:
- No hand-held mobile phone use or texting in travel lanes - even stopped at signals;
- Wipers on, lights on!
- MOVE OVER – fender benders with no injuries, move out of travel lanes!
- MOVE OVER to free lanes away from emergency vehicles during incidents, and please force yourself to keep your eyes on the road, not to look at the scene.
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