Posted on 01/01/2008 7:19:53 PM PST by don-o
The Tennessee Department of Transportation and the Tennessee Highway Patrol are joining a new national safe winter driving campaign called, “Ice and Snow: Take it Slow.”
“TDOT is ready to work around the clock to keep our roadways clear of ice and snow this winter,” said TDOT Commissioner Gerald Nicely. “We also want drivers to remember that winter conditions call for different driving tactics, so when you’re driving in ice and snow, take it slow — slower speed, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking.”
TDOT and the THP remind motorists to dial *THP from any cellular phone should they become stranded or need assistance when on the road.
Department of Safety Commissioner Dave Mitchell added, “Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers are ready to assist those who need help on the road, but the best way a motorist can help is to be prepared before hitting the road by properly maintaining your vehicle, clearing your windshield of ice and snow, and making sure your tires are road ready.”
When snow hits Tennessee, TDOT maintenance crews will focus on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes first, specifically targeting areas vulnerable to freezing like hills curves, ramps, bridges and interchanges.
“When our crews hit the road, it’s important for motorists to use caution around snowplows,” said TDOT Maintenance Director Greg Duncan. “Make sure you maintain a safe distance and don’t tailgate or stop too close to a snowplow. They are usually spreading salt or brine from the back of the truck, and those materials can damage vehicle paint.”
TDOT has nearly 200,000 tons of salt and more than 1.6 million gallons of salt brine ready for use. The department dedicates more than $12.6 million a year to snow and ice removal operations across the state. During a typical snowstorm, crews begin by first apply anti-icing brine to roadways. Sand, salt and calcium chloride may then be used to remove any accumulating snow and ice.
TDOT also monitors roadway conditions through the Roadway Information System (RWIS). The department has 37 RWIS stations statewide. The stations monitor a variety of weather related factors such as air temperatures; dew point; wind speed/direction; precipitation types and rates; and asphalt temperatures. The system alerts TDOT maintenance supervisors when freezing conditions are imminent.
All Tennesseans can monitor roadway conditions before leaving home by visiting the Tennessee 511 Web site at www.tn511.com or by dialing 511 from any land line or cellular phone.
“It’s important to plan ahead before you leave the house,” Nicely said. “So before you leave home, ask yourself, if it’s snowing should I be going?”
I have a friend who had (street legal) snow tires mounted on his car that were rated up to 150mph, I think.
I drove to Erwin one morning and it snowed. When I returned after lunch it took me 3 hours to drive 30 miles on I 26 to Kingsport.
Fortunately, I don’t live where that much knowledge of snow tires is a real necessity!
But a Z-rated snow tire? Awesome!
They’re nice. But you have to chain a Rottweiler to each one when you park the car to keep them from being stolen.
My wife and I just moved to KY from Rhode Island. Last night, here in Clark County they were predicting 1-2” of snow. We were laughing at all the school closings being announced by 6pm. Lightweights. My yard looks like a crumb-cake w/ confectioners’s sugar sprinkled on top, and they’re talking about “severe weather warnings”. lol
Back in RI, my friends were recently digging out of 10” of snow and ice. Business as usual.
So which to you prefer? needless panic or real misery?
Honestly, I’d take real misery over the needless panic any day. It’s dangerous out there when people panic. If there’s real misery, everyone stays home and cools it.
I remember that snow. I recognize I can’t drive in snow/ice and I stay home!
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