Driving Indiana’s Economic Growth
News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 8, 2007
INDOT Urges Drivers Ice and Snow, Take it Slow
November 11-17 is Winter Weather Preparedness Week in Indiana
INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Governor Mitch Daniels has declared November 11 - 17 Indiana Winter Weather Preparedness Week, and the Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is urging all Hoosier drivers to use this week to prepare their vehicles for the season and brush up on winter driving strategies.
Winter storms can be extremely dangerous for Hoosier motorists and INDOT workers if everyone on Indiana roads doesn’t use safe driving strategies. According to the National Weather Service, 11 of 17 winter weather related deaths occur in motor vehicles. The majority of those deaths could have been prevented if the traveler was aware of road conditions and prepared for the worst.
To promote winter driving safety, INDOT is joining several other Snowbelt states and launching a new winter safety campaign, Ice and Snow…Take it Slow. The multi-state campaign reminds motorists that slow and cautious driving is the key to staying safe on the roads during winter weather. The campaign educates drivers about safe winter driving techniques and safe driving around snowplows.
“Far too many Hoosier motorists are injured or killed each year in winter weather related crashes,” said INDOT Commissioner Karl B. Browning. “INDOT is committed to clearing snow and ice from our state roadways as quickly and safely as possible, but motorists must also drive carefully and remember, Ice and Snow…Take it Slow.”
INDOT is asking every Hoosier motorist to practice safe winter driving during winter storms this season and to remember, Ice and Snow … Take it Slow. By slowing down, giving plows room to work and allowing extra time to get to your destination; we can save lives on Indiana highways this winter. Drivers should ready their vehicles for winter, assemble a winter driving survival kit and review the driving tips below to prepare for a safe winter:
· Knowledge: Before leaving home, find out about the driving conditions. Safe drivers know the weather, and their limits. If the weather is bad remember, Ice and Snow, Take it Slow, or just don’t go.
· Clear: Remove any snow on your vehicle’s windows, lights, brake lights and signals. Make sure you can see and be seen.
· Inspect: Check your vehicle’s tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. A breakdown is bad on a good day and dangerous on a bad-weather day.
· Time: Leave plenty of time to reach your destination safely. It’s not worth putting yourself and others in a dangerous situation just to be on time.
When driving on Hoosier roads this winter don’t forget the most important rule, Ice and Snow…Take it Slow. For more useful winter driving tips visit winterdrivingsafety.IN.gov.
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Media Contact: Megan Tsai, INDOT Office of Communications (317) 232-8558