ALBANY, NY – In light of the considerable snow accumulations expected tomorrow in some areas of the state, New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT) Acting Commissioner Stanley Gee today took the opportunity to remind motorists about 5-1-1NY, the state’s free travel information service. Up-to-the-minute road conditions and links for commuters to train, bus, subway and air service information are available by calling 5-1-1 or by visiting www.511ny.org.

“The southern regions of the state are expecting significant snowfall tomorrow and travelers should plan on delays, regardless of the mode of transportation they use,” Acting Commissioner Gee said. “We established the 5-1-1 system to provide real-time reports to travelers. I encourage all commuters to check 5-1-1 before traveling during this storm to get accurate information about traffic and transit conditions, as well as airline delays and closures.”

To assist motorists determine if travel is advisable, a color-coded map on the 5-1-1 Web site indicates which state roads are snow covered, ice covered, wet, dry, and experiencing white-out conditions or closed. This winter travel advisory can be found under “Traffic Conditions.” The phone system provides real-time snow and ice conditions for interstates and other heavily traveled roads based on reports from NYSDOT’s maintenance operators. This information can be accessed by requesting “Traffic Conditions.”

The 5-1-1 system should not be accessed on mobile devices while driving. NYSDOT encourages drivers to check conditions before traveling, to have a passenger access 5-1-1, or to pull over at a safe location to access the system during travel.

In addition, NYSDOT’s Web site, https://www.nysdot.gov/programs/driver-safety features an interactive safe driving Web experience that includes tips for safe driving in winter weather conditions, a video demonstrating the proper method for steering out of a skid, a winter driving quiz and a video that allows visitors to experience the conditions snowplow operators face each winter.

Motorists should expect to see snow on the roads during winter storms, even while plows are operating. Plow operators are responsible for removing the bulk of the snow, but some snow and slush may remain and accumulate between plow passes.

Snowplows are approximately 20 feet wide and 40 feet long. The size and weight of these vehicles makes it difficult to stop quickly and maneuver easily. Sight distances are limited on a snowplow, so motorists should not attempt to pass plows or follow too closely. The safest place for motorists is well behind a snowplow where the roadway is clear and salted.

Approximately 3,500 trained snowplow operators are responsible for keeping more than 35,000 miles of state-owned roadways clear day and night, utilizing a fleet of 1,400 snowplows. NYSDOT uses an estimated one million tons of salt, in addition to a variety of other anti-icing chemicals, to maintain these roadways, depending on the severity of the weather.

“NYSDOT’s snowplow operators work around the clock to help keep roads clear and motorists safe,” added Acting Commissioner Gee. “To assist us in maintaining road conditions, we continue to ask people not to deposit snow from driveways and sidewalks onto plowed pavements. We encourage motorists to use caution and travel only when necessary during winter snow storms.”

(YWN Desk – NYC)