As evidenced by last week’s snowy weather in many parts of Tennessee, Tennesseans contend with wintry driving weather. With this in mind, the Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) recently released a statement outlining its preparedness for the coming months ahead.
What the TDOT Had To Say
TDOT Commissioner Joe Galbatoas said that the state’s salt bins and brine are “fully stocked,” and employees are “ready to mobilize in the event of inclement weather.” The agency currently has nearly 200,000 tons of salt and more than 1.5 million gallons of salt brine ready for use. Some of that has already been put to use during last week’s storm, where some areas of Middle Tennessee experienced up to 9 inches of snowfall.
TDOT ice and snow removal teams first concentrate on clearing interstates and heavily traveled state routes and precisely target areas vulnerable to freezing when snow hits the roads. During prolonged weather events, crews may have to clear roadways multiple times per day.
Here is a brief video outlining what transpires after snow falls on Tennessee roads:
Safety Tips For Snowy Roads
In addition, here are some important safety tips while operating your vehicle on snowy roads:
- Drive at a reduced speed well under the posted speed limit.
- Keep an extra-wide stopping distance from the vehicle ahead of you (20 to 25 car lengths).
- Stay out of other drivers’ blind spots, especially truckers.
- Equip your vehicle with emergency supplies in case you’re stranded for a prolonged time. This includes warm blankets, extra clothing, a flashlight, a reflecting vest, a first aid kit, water, and snacks.
- Always check Google Maps or Waze for potential traffic jams and avoid routes with accidents that may leave you stranded for prolonged periods in the cold.
Conclusion
As we always like to say, stay safe and be prepared! We hope you enjoyed reading how Tennesseans contend with the recent wintry driving weather. We wish you a safe and healthy cold-weather driving season ahead. Because we care… Stillman & Friedland Attorneys
