EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WFIE) – As we get closer to that wave of colder temperatures, it makes now the time to prepare. This applies not only to individual homes and cars, but also to the area’s roads.
Winter brings a unique set of challenges to those in charge of keeping the area’s roads clear.
“We’re always on alert to monitor the weather for this time of the year,” said Evansville Department of Transportation and Services Executive Director Todd Robertson.
With freezing temperatures on the horizon, along with a chance of ice and snow, it presents an question of timing.
If they treat the roads for ice too early, then any rain we get before this weekend’s freeze could wash the treatment off. If they wait too long, then they could miss their window and the roads could freeze.
They say that’s why their biggest fear this weekend is the temperature suddenly dropping more quickly than they anticipate.
“If you don’t have something to try to keep it from adhering to the road, then it makes it even more difficult to try to get it up later on,” said Robertson.
They say one of the most important things you can do if you have to be on the road after the temperature drops, is slow down. They also say to be careful on bridges, since they always freeze first.
If you come across a truck which is treating the roads, they say to give it a lot of space. They say it can be hard for the trucks to change direction suddenly or stop with all the weight of the salt they carry.
“We’re always trying to get an edge on how we can address the event prior to coming, so that way we can get the inclement weather off the roads and get to pavement as soon as possible,” said Robertson.
City officials advise people to keep jumper cables in your car, since freezing temperatures can knock out weak batteries.
They also advise people to keep any emergency items they may need inside their cars in case they get stuck.
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