How to drive safely on roads during winter weather

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Officials from the Indiana Toll Roads share some helpful tips that can help drivers stay safer and more vigilant while travelling across wintery roads.

Rick Fedder, Chief Operating Officer for the Indiana Toll Roads, wants to remind everyone that vehicles handle the roads much differently when they are snow-covered and wet versus being dry.

“The motorists need to remember to slow down. They need to remember that it’s not as easy to drive in winter weather as it is on dry pavement,” said Fedder.

In order to limit the dangerous road conditions, crews are preparing and training to help effectively mitigate slide offs and crashes that are caused by snowy and wet pavement.

“We have pre-winter storm meetings actually set for today to prep the teams on what to expect, what our response is going to be regarding the amount of snow that falls, how many trucks we are going to deploy, how much salt we are going to spread,” added Fedder.

Drivers are also encouraged to drive carefully and slowly if they are attempting to pass a snow plow. Fedder suggests that driving behind the snow plow is actually the safest spot on the road.

In the unfortunate scenario of sliding off the road and getting stuck, Fedder says police and snow plows will be ready to help get you and your vehicle back on the road.

“We have our patrol vehicles, the Indiana State Police, we’ll be watching for you. We’ll call and get you some help if you can’t get there, but stay in your vehicle and we’ll get to you, said Fedder.