DOTD, State Police Urges Cautious Driving
By: Alanna Quillen
Updated: January 14, 2013
MONROE -- Ice forming on trees, power lines and roads can make for a messy situation.
Officials are advising drivers to be cautious on the roads in the icy conditions.
Marshall Hill at the Department of Transportation and Development says they've already salted a railroad overpass on Highway 165 in Morehouse Parish. He says they are on stand-by for the rest of the area as salting is needed.
"Our normal thing is to put salt on the bridges as it starts freezing, we're ready for that," he said. "We have our salt spreaders ready, our salt stock piles are up to full. We're manned up and ready to go"
Hill said there are 1,500 in northeast Louisiana, so drivers should be especially weary when coming across one.
He says there are certain spots that tend to freeze first, especially the ramp from Interstate 20 going to Pecan Land Mall.
"When cars get on them, they tend to slide more than if it was on a straight roadway," Hill said.
State Police are urging drivers to driver slower than normal, about 10 to 15 mph slower in icy conditions. Be cautious when navigating the roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses -- which tend to ice over first.
"The big thing is, if you don't have to drive, please please stay off the roads," said Trooper Albert Paxton.
Paxton says every available trooper is on deck, patroling for problem areas and anyone needing help.
"Drive slower than you normally would, be careful around bridges and overpasses, anything that the roads can get air underneath it freezes a lot faster," said Paxton. "Make sure your cellphones are charged up and let people know where you're going in case you're going to rural areas."
State Police advise if you come across an icy patch on the road, don't slam on your breaks, jerk the steering wheel, or panic. Just ease off the gas, gain control of the steering wheel, and let the car slow to a stop.
Keep a emergency kit of supplies in your home or car as an extra precaution as well, officials say.
Residents can report weather-related conditions by contacting the district office at (318) 342-0100.
Officials are advising drivers to be cautious on the roads in the icy conditions.
Marshall Hill at the Department of Transportation and Development says they've already salted a railroad overpass on Highway 165 in Morehouse Parish. He says they are on stand-by for the rest of the area as salting is needed.
"Our normal thing is to put salt on the bridges as it starts freezing, we're ready for that," he said. "We have our salt spreaders ready, our salt stock piles are up to full. We're manned up and ready to go"
Hill said there are 1,500 in northeast Louisiana, so drivers should be especially weary when coming across one.
He says there are certain spots that tend to freeze first, especially the ramp from Interstate 20 going to Pecan Land Mall.
"When cars get on them, they tend to slide more than if it was on a straight roadway," Hill said.
State Police are urging drivers to driver slower than normal, about 10 to 15 mph slower in icy conditions. Be cautious when navigating the roadways, especially on bridges and overpasses -- which tend to ice over first.
"The big thing is, if you don't have to drive, please please stay off the roads," said Trooper Albert Paxton.
Paxton says every available trooper is on deck, patroling for problem areas and anyone needing help.
"Drive slower than you normally would, be careful around bridges and overpasses, anything that the roads can get air underneath it freezes a lot faster," said Paxton. "Make sure your cellphones are charged up and let people know where you're going in case you're going to rural areas."
State Police advise if you come across an icy patch on the road, don't slam on your breaks, jerk the steering wheel, or panic. Just ease off the gas, gain control of the steering wheel, and let the car slow to a stop.
Keep a emergency kit of supplies in your home or car as an extra precaution as well, officials say.
Residents can report weather-related conditions by contacting the district office at (318) 342-0100.
