In cooperation with The Texas Division of Emergency Management and The Texas Department of Public Safety, Wednesday, November 13, 2013, is designated as Winter Weather Awareness Day in the Lone Star State.  Every Texan should take this opportunity to prepare for adverse winter weather.
Have a good plan of action when it comes to winter weather:

1) Check the weather forecast before you travel and have a way to receive NWS Winter Storm Warnings

2) Monitor temperatures and visibilities

3) Drive according to the condition of the highway

4) Practice safe fire prevention

5) Assemble a disaster kit

Each year Texans die from accidents caused by ice, snow, or fog.  The Texas Department of Public Safety urges motorists to slow down to the conditions of the roadway.  Motorists should not assume the speed limit is the safe speed.  For road conditions, please go to the Texas Department of Transportation’s website www.drivetexas.org  call 1-800-452-9292.  Good winter weather safety tips are also included on the following page.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) will also recognize Winter Weather Awareness Day in Texas.

TxDOT’s number one priority is the safety of the traveling public. Hazardous weather can unexpectedly change from freezing ice to snow to fog in some areas of our region, and TxDOT uses every resource available to keep the roads open and passable during winter storms. Observe these tips to stay safe on Texas highways while giving TxDOT snowplow operators room to do their jobs.

  • Keep back from the snowplows. Plow drivers can’t see directly behind their trucks.
  • Never drive through a snow cloud or other whiteout conditions. You can’t be sure if the whiteout is caused by crosswinds or by a snowplow.
  • Be patient. TxDOT snowplow operators periodically pull over to allow traffic to pass.

You can reduce your risk of driving in ice and snow by simply practicing a few road safety habits.

  • Remove ice and snow from your vehicle before you drive
  • Ensure your vehicle is properly maintained
  • Approach bridges, shady spots and turns slowly
  • Accelerate slowly, drive slowly and observe traffic signs and alerts
  • Stay tuned to local news, road closures, changing conditions and weather alerts
  • Notify someone of your route, destination and projected time of arrival
  • Wear warm clothes to protect you during extended periods in the cold

    TxDOT offers many ways to check highway conditions before you travel:

    Check online highway conditions information
    http://www.drivetexas.org  (Mobile version available too)

Call the TxDOT Road Conditions Hotline  1-800- 452-9292
Follow  us on Twitter  @TxDOTSanAngelo  for updated closures

A free “Safety Guide for Winter Travel” brochure is available at the TxDOT District office, 4502 Knickerbocker Road, San Angelo, Texas 76904 or by calling 325/947-9205 to have one mailed to you. The brochure can also be downloaded from TxDOT’s website www.txdot.gov keyword “winter weather”.

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