JEFFERSON CITY – With more snow and ice expected to sweep into Missouri this afternoon and continue through the night, the Missouri Department of Transportation is asking motorists to be cautious and drive for conditions.
“Slow down and give yourself plenty of braking distance,” said Becky Allmeroth, MoDOT state maintenance engineer. “Give our plows room to work and give yourself room to stop.”
Snow is expected in the northern portions of the state with accumulations between 1 and 3-inches. Areas around and south of Interstate 44 could receive freezing rain and ice, according to forecasts.
Allmeroth also asked motorists to stay informed of continuously changing road conditions before venturing out.
“MoDOT crews will work through the night,” Allmeroth said. “But drivers need to check their local forecasts and the Traveler Information Map before heading to work Wednesday morning.”
Motorists should keep in mind that bridges and overpasses generally experience freezing conditions first. MoDOT encourages drivers to remember the following tips when driving in inclement weather:
- Slow down.
- Steer and brake gently.
- Accelerate slowly at intersections.
- Allow plenty of space between your vehicle and the vehicle ahead of you.
- Stay back 100 feet behind snow plows that may be spreading salt. Do not pass snow plows even when on a multi-lane road.
MoDOT offers a variety of tools to help drivers get where they are going safely. The department’s Traveler Information Map, located at www.modot.org, offers the latest road conditions, as well as current traffic flow and traffic cameras that provide a view of traffic on the interstates.
MoDOT also has a toll-free customer service line which is answered 24-hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. A customer service representative can be reached by calling 1-888-ASK-MoDOT (275-6636).
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