(December 10, 2013) -  Another morning of winter weather is moving into Maryland and the State Highway Administration (SHA) strongly advises drivers to delay travel. Work crews are fully mobilized but with snow expected to fall at the rate of one to two inches an hour, crews will not be able to stay ahead of clearing roads. The best advice is for drivers to stay off the road.

 

“The good news is that many schools and governments are either closed or have delayed openings, so there should be fewer cars on the road,” said SHA Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “Our concern is that people will start out and get caught in what is predicted to be a heavy, intense storm. Give us the time to plow and salt and that will make travel later today much safer.”

 

If you absolutely must go out during the storm, keep these driving tips in mind:

 

- Drive at the appropriate speed for conditions.

- Clean off your vehicle for your safety and visibility, as well as for other drivers.

- Use caution when merging at ramps and intersections, especially in areas with a history of flooding; do not to drive through standing water.

- If your vehicle does become disabled, make every effort to move safely from the travel lane and onto the shoulder.

- Remain alert for inactive traffic signals as a result of power outages. Use EXTREME caution and treat it is as a four-way stop – it’s the law.

- Plan your route in advance by using “511 Traveler Information” system. Know Before You Go! Dial 511 from a land line or mobile phone for traffic, weather alerts and road conditions. For internet access, visit www.MD511.org

 

For the most up to date highway traffic information, call 511 or 1-855-GOMD511 or visit www.md511.org When conditions return to normal and you resume driving, remember to use 511 safely – Maryland law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

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