YOUR COMMUTE: DOT Urges 'Ounce of Prevention' Mindset for Friday Morning Travel

The Georgia Department of Transportation is urging residents to use caution when traveling Friday morning. 

With a forecast calling for snow likely before 11 p.m. tonight and a low about 29 degrees, roadways in northeast Georgia could get messy overnight. 

Potential hazardous situations during winter weather include: 

• Bridges as black ice forms there first and can reform quickly
• Highest elevations or gaps in North Central and Northeast Georgia
• Fallen trees, as root systems are weak because of the drought and heavy rains, with the potential of strong winds trees will likely fall onto or adjacent to roadways
• Traffic signals not operating because of power outages
• High profile vehicles that are difficult to control in high winds

The GDOT urges drivers: 

• Slow down and stay behind snowplows. The road behind the plow will be the safest place to drive. Allow at least 10 car lengths between your vehicle and snowplows or hopper spreaders.
• Do not pass. The plows are wide, and sometimes a group of trucks will work in tandem to clear snow quickly, especially on major highways.
• Be particularly aware of black ice conditions on surfaces such as bridge decks and entrance and exit ramps late tonight and the early hours of Friday morning.
• Remember that technology helps, but only to a point. Four-wheel drive, anti-lock brakes and traction control are beneficial advancements in today's cars, trucks and SUVs, but they can't take the place of good driving habits and the need to reduce speed on snowy or icy roads.

Georgia DOT urges travelers to exercise caution and call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions before getting on the road during a winter weather event. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org. 

Did you buy milk and bread today? Tell us in comments below how you prepare for winter weather. 

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