MORTON, Ill. – State transportation leaders are reminding people to be safe on the roads this upcoming winter.
Representatives with IDOT, Illinois State Police, and local unions kicked off their “Winter Weather – Get It Together” awareness campaign in Morton on Tuesday regarding safe driving in snow and ice.
IDOT Operations Engineer Anna Ghidina says the campaign is getting underway so winter conditions do not sneak up on drivers.
“They think they can drive as fast as they can, but you really can’t, you really need to slow down and take your time, and understand that there’s different conditions out there that your vehicle isn’t going to perform the way it usually does,” Ghidina said.
Ghidina says the main concerns are slowing down, leaving early, and staying off cell phones, as well as giving snow plows enough room to work.
IDOT is also encouraging people to prepare an emergency kit that includes jumper cables, flares or reflectors, non-perishable food, a first-aid kit, and extra blankets.
Sometimes an accident in winter weather conditions can be unavoidable. ISP Trooper John Carrigan there are a few things people can do to stay safe in the aftermath of a crash.
“We just ask that you call 911, stay within your vehicle, don’t make yourself a pedestrian that can be struck by a vehicle, so just stay in your vehicle with your seat belt on,” Carrigan said.
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