(February 26, 2014) – The State Highway Administration (SHA) crews are responding to another round of winter weather by applying salt to state highways this morning.  Drivers are advised to use caution and allow plow trucks plenty of room to operate. 

This morning’s commute is particularly challenging with snow falling during rush hour.  Delay travel to save time and frustration by avoiding traffic made worse by slippery conditions.  The less traffic on the road, the better crews are able to treat roads and prevent icing.

“It has been a busy winter with storms that brought sleet, hail, gusty winds and record snowfall,” said State Highway Administrator Melinda B. Peters. “While the recent warm weather was a welcome reprieve, this week’s cold temperatures remind us that winter is not over.  All that melted snow can become ice as temperatures drop, so we ask that drivers remain attentive to road conditions even when there is no precipitation.”

Other important tips for drivers include:

• Maryland law requires headlight use when wipers are needed

• Put the phone in the backseat – state law prohibits hand-held phone use and texting

• Always buckle up – Now law for every passenger, every age, front and back.

• Clear your entire vehicle – leaving ice on the roof can cause serious damage or even collisions if it flies off in the wind along a highway

• Courtesy is key – aggressive driving such as tailgating, speeding and unsafe lane changes can cause crashes and potentially take lives

• Plan ahead – have a full tank of gas, full washer fluids and an alternate route in case there is an emergency

• Equip vehicles with essentials including an ice scraper and charged phone

• Call 511 and Know Before You Go! to check traffic conditions

SHA monitors traffic and roadway conditions 24-7 at its statewide operations center in Hanover.  Nearly 700 camera images are available along state and local roads in every corner of Maryland.  Additionally, 100 weather stations with sensors and equipment provide information to monitor pavement and air temperatures, moisture and salinity on roadways across the State. The operations center is activated as an emergency center for winter storms to aid in SHA’s response, which has occurred nearly 30 times this winter.

After the storm makes its exit, crews will focus on cleanup and pothole repairs.  As a reminder, SHA maintains non-toll, numbered routes in Maryland’s 23 counties.  To submit service requests online, visit the SHA website and submit the form using the "Contact Us" link.  For county roads information, click here for website links and phone numbers.