Working Like There's Snow Tomorrow

This weekend the temperatures are supposed to hit 75 in mid-Missouri, which makes me think of an end-of-season barbecue, mowing the lawn, taking a long walk outside and of course snow. Snow? Really? I know, it doesn’t make much sense, but as all Missourians know, the weather in our state can be quite unpredictable, so MoDOT crews prepare all equipment and supplies by Nov. 1 for the first snowfall.

And while we all hope the bad weather holds off for a while, we must prepare or suffer dire consequences. In 2008, 30 people were killed, 322 seriously injured and 2,536 received minor injuries in traffic crashes when there was snow, ice or slush on the roadway. Driving too fast for conditions and inattention were the top contributing factors in traffic crashes during the winter months last year.

And while our crews are out on the roads at all hours of the day, seven days a week when necessary to keep our roads safe, it is also the motorist’s job to drive cautiously, pay extra attention to signs and drive defensively.

MoDOT provides a traveler information map at www.modot.org/ with current road conditions to help drivers determine when it’s safe to travel. The map shows which roads are covered, partly covered, and clear.

For information on road conditions across the state, safe traveling tips and a diagram on driveway clearing techniques, visit www.modot.org/ or call 888-ASK MODOT. Recorded road-condition information is available at (800) 222-6400.