RELEASE: CONTACT:

IMMEDIATE Heidi Coy (540) 387-5493 Heidi.Coy@vdot.virginia.gov

101 Jan. 17, 2008

WINTRY MIX CREATES SLICK ROADS IN SALEM DISTRICT

A wintry mix of snow and sleet has created slick roads in the 12-county VDOT Salem District. VDOT urges drivers who must travel to allow extra time to reach their destination and use caution. As snow and sleet continue to fall, all interstate, primary and secondary roads in the Roanoke and New River valleys, the Martinsville and Hillsville areas and Bedford County remain in moderate condition with some accumulation of snow or ice on the roadway.

Snow plow operators and contractors are focusing their attention on interstates and primary roads and will continue on these routes until the precipitation stops and these routes are plowed and treated.

The 12-county Salem VDOT district includes Bedford, Botetourt, Carroll, Craig, Giles, Floyd, Franklin, Henry, Patrick, Pulaski, Montgomery, Roanoke counties.

VDOT is asking drivers to keep in mind the following tips when driving in winter conditions:

* Make sure your vehicle is winter ready, including at least a half tank full of gas.
* Keep an emergency driving kit in your car and wear your seatbelt.
* Keep a safe distance of at least five seconds behind other vehicles.
* Do not attempt to pass snowplows and stay at least 100 feet behind them.
* Be aware of potentially icy areas such as shady spots and bridges.
* When driving on ice, don’t slam on your brakes. Travel gently. Turn slowly. Brake slowly. Sudden changes can cause your car to spin out of control.
* Don’t park along the street. Snowplow drivers can’t fully clear a road if cars are in their way.
* If possible, avoid unnecessary travel when crews are clearing snow and ice from the roadways.

For updated road condition information across the Commonwealth, drivers can call 511 or go online to www.511Virginia.org. Traffic cameras are available for viewing online at www.trafficland.com.