(October 31, 2012) -  The Maryland State Highway Administration’s (SHA) Emergency Operations Center and more than 300 crews continue to respond to flooding, snow, felled trees and dark signals across the State.  With some school systems open and local and Federal government employees returning to work, extra caution is required as dozens of travel signals remain dark this morning.

SHA cautions those traveling this morning to remain vigilant: dark signals and felled trees will continue to be part of your commute.  Pedestrians should take extra steps to be visible to drivers – wearing bright clothing or some type of reflective device and crossing at well lit intersections.  As of 6 a.m., more than 25 roadways are temporarily closed and more than 50 signals remain out due to power outages.

“With rush hour volumes expected to return to normal, we continue to ask drivers to give themselves plenty of time to reach their destinations,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “In addition to ongoing road closures, trick-or-treaters may be heading out in many areas later today, presenting additional challenges with hundreds of pedestrians.  Please use extra caution and pay special attention to children that may be darting on and out of parked vehicles.”

“Remember the new law that directs us how to navigate intersections with dark signals,” added Administrator Peters.  “Drivers not only will need to stop at all intersection approaches where traffic signals are without power, but we all must keep a close eye out for pedestrians.  Never make any assumptions about what the driver or pedestrian next to you is going to do.”

Nearly three feet of snow has fallen in Garrett County; drivers in far Western Maryland should check on road conditions before leaving for their destinations.  For the most up to date highway traffic information, know before you go and call 511 (1-855-GOMD511) or visit www.md511.org or www.traffic.maryland.gov.   When conditions return to normal and you resume driving, remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

For Maryland Emergency Management Agency information, go to www.mema.state.md.us.

For more general - non storm specific information, follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and “like” us on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/MarylandStateHighwayAdministration.

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