(November 7, 2007) – Three local almanacs contain three different forecasts for the upcoming winter season, each with a different long-range forecast for Maryland. No matter what winter brings in the way of blasts of snow or a coating of ice, the Maryland Department of Transportation’s State Highway Administration’s (SHA) is ready! Today plow drivers and technical experts were part of the team assembled at the Statewide Operations Center (SOC) in Hanover to demonstrate the equipment and technology on hand to combat winter weather.
SHA has nearly 340,000 tons of salt for 2007-2008. To tackle especially challenging snow levels in the rural parts of the State, the fleet includes nearly 80 “wing plows.” This extra “wing” will allow crews to move more snow in one pass and will speed snow removal and improve safety.
“Helping people remain safe on the roads is the core of all SHA operations,” stated SHA Administrator Neil J. Pedersen, who also serves as the Governor’s Highway Safety Representative. “Additionally, we’re pleased to be a bit more “green” this year as we battle the white stuff. SHA is increasing the use of biodiesel as an additive in our fuel for the heavy truck fleet. The biodiesel is more environmentally friendly and is a renewable resource, unlike fossil fuel.”
SHA will push the white stuff off the roads using a little green stuff. By the end of 2007, all diesel vehicles, including plow trucks, will operate using a 5 percent mixture of biodiesel fuel, comprised solely of soybean oil. Starting in 2008, SHA’s goal will be to increase biodiesel use with a 20 percent mixture of biodiesel, depending upon market availability. When compared to petroleum diesel fuel, the use of biodiesel fuel yields significant environmental benefits, such as reduction of particulate matter, unburned hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
When a winter weather emergency occurs, the SOC doubles as the Emergency Operations Center, the command center for winter storm operations. From this nerve center operators monitor traffic, collect information from roadway sensors, and deploy equipment such as snow plows and salt trucks. Travelers can plan ahead before hitting the pavement by logging onto the cyber highway at www.marylandroads.com and clicking on “CHART.” The CHART web site offers a treasure trove of travel information, snow emergency plans, real-time traffic camera views, weather information, average travel speed maps and incident-related road closure reports. Motorists can also call the Winter Storm Hotline at 1-800-327-3125 for winter weather road closures.
SHA reminds all motorists, in good weather and bad, to follow important safety tips to help keep your travel experience injury-free. If you are involved in a minor crash and there are no injuries, we ask you to “Move It” to a safe shoulder or out of the roadway. Moving vehicles following a minor crash helps to prevent secondary crashes and reduces congestion.
Additional Tips in the Event of Snow: If you do not need to drive while is it snowing, please do not! NEVER pass a snow plow. If driving behind a snow plow or salt truck, provide plenty of space (at least 7-8 car lengths) behind the truck. Remember – bridges, ramps and overpasses freeze first. Use caution when driving across. Four-wheel drive vehicles are just as vulnerable to slipping on ice as regular two-wheel drive vehicles. Pack a winter driving survival kit – including a shovel, blanket, water, jumper cables, flares, snacks and a flash light. Before taking to the road, log onto www. marylandroads.com, click on the CHART icon and view traffic cameras. Obtain a copy of the SHA “Winter Weather Brochure” and keep it in your glove compartment. Brochures are available at Maryland rest areas and SHA district offices and maintenance shops. You can also download a copy at www.marylandroads.com. Clear snow from your vehicle’s headlights, roof and from other places that may obstruct vision or become a danger for other motorists. When shoveling snow, please do not place it in the street/roadway. Plow trucks push snow to the right. When facing your driveway, pile snow to your left, off the road. This reminder will save you additional hours of shoveling!
More Tips to keep travelers safe all year long: Buckle up! It’s the law and your number one defense in a crash. Check your vehicle’s lights, tires, windshield wipers and battery for proper operation. Slow down and pay attention, avoiding distractions such as cell-phone use. Observe all posted speed limits. Do not drink and drive! Designate a driver in advance. In case of emergency, drivers with cellular phones can dial #77 to reach the Maryland State Police. Wet road surfaces are not ideal and require alert driving attention. Remember wet leaves can be as slippery as ice. Slow down, increase your distance between vehicles in front of you, avoid distractions and drive defensively. See and be seen. Remember that Maryland State Law requires the use of headlights while windshield wipers are in use. Always buckle children and use proper safety seats. For details log onto www.nhtsa.dot.gov or www.mdkiss.org.
Editor’s Note: See the attached 2007-2008 winter operations fact sheet.
Contact:
Valerie Burnette Edgar
David Buck
410-545-0303
1-800-323-6742 |
