SHA and Maryland State Police Ask Commercial Vehicle Drivers to Delay and Detour – Especially West of Frederick - until Storm Passes
 

(December 29, 2012) – West of the Chesapeake Bay, Maryland State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are clearing snow and working to keep travel lanes passable as several inches of snow falls, with up to 10 inches of snow expected in Western Maryland. 
 

“Delay travel today so that crews can safely keep roads clear without having to rescue stranded drivers and divert personnel from road clearing operations,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters.  “If you choose to drive and take the risk, you must allow extra time, take it slow, and have realistic expectations – speed limits are set for fair weather conditions. Remember to never pass a snow plow or snow plow train.  The safest place to be is behind the plows, which are clearing the roads ahead."

Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus Brown warned all motorists not to travel at all if possible during storms especially, tractor trailers, buses, and other large vehicles.  "Our warning to motorists not to travel if at all possible during this storm especially applies to tractor trailers, buses, and other large vehicles," Maryland State Police Superintendent Colonel Marcus Brown said.  "Weather conditions are causing hazardous highways and a jackknifed tractor trailer or bus stuck in the snow only hinders our road crews and police officers in their efforts to clear the highway of snow and get the roads open again.  I urge commercial vehicle drivers to find a safe location to wait out the storm and continue on only when it is safe to do so."

SHA offers emergency truck parking at selected park and ride locations around Maryland.  Truckers can pull off at these locations and wait out a storm of six or more inches of snow.  For emergency truck parking locations go to - http://roads.maryland.gov/pages/emergencytruckparking.aspx?pageid=856.

Visibility is down in many locations across the State so drivers need to remember that it’s Maryland State law that when windshield wipers are in operation, headlights must be on.  Remember basic rules of the road like wearing seatbelts, lowering speed during bad weather and leaving plenty of extra following distance with the vehicle in front of you.

Remember to buckle up and “Take It Slow on Ice and Snow.”  Before leaving home, log onto www.roads.maryland.gov and click the CHART icon for the latest road conditions, live traffic cameras and a variety of information to help with travel decisions and planning.  You can also follow SHA on Twitter @MDSHA and on Facebook.

A new FREE service this year is the “511 Traveler Information” system.  To Know Before You Go! Simply dial 511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions.   For internet access, visit www.MD511.org.  While there, register with My511 to customize your reports on your most frequent routes and areas of interest.

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