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MDOT urges caution behind the wheel this holiday travel season

Contact:  Benjamin Kohrman, Director of Communications 517-335-3084
Agency: Transportation


December 20, 2005 - - As the busy holiday travel season approaches during what is predicted to be one of the snowiest Decembers in recent memory, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) reminds motorists to drive safely and steer clear of snowplows.

State Transportation Director Gloria J. Jeff says that MDOT crews will be working day and night this winter, including holidays and weekends, to clear snow and ice from 9,716 miles of state roadways.

MDOT reminds motorists to:

• Always wear safety belts and be sure passengers are buckled up
• Be cautious of bridges which can be icy even when the approaching pavement is clear and dry
• Merge slowly since sudden movements can cause vehicles to slide
• Slow down when visibility is low or roads are snowy or icy
• Accelerate and brake slowly; avoid abrupt steering maneuvers
• Allow plenty of time to reach your destination
• Leave ample space between your vehicle and the one ahead of you
• Don't Crowd the Plow; give snowplow drivers space to work. A fully loaded snow plow weighs between 20 and 40 tons, and cannot stop easily. Also remember that winter winds may cause snow to billow as roads are cleared.

Check the Michigan State Police Travel (MSP) Advisory at www.michigan.gov/roadconditions for reports on the condition of state roads and bridges or call the MSP Travel Hotline at 1-800-381-8477. Check MDOT's Lane Closure Report at www.michigan.gov/laneclosures 

Keep Michigan families safe this winter season: Don't Crowd the Plow!
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