Transportation Departments Prepare for Winter Weather and Risks for Car Accidents in Indiana

The Department of Public Works (DPW) Indy Snow Force recently recruited assistance from Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard for new enhancements that have been added to the state’s snow removal program.

The recent announcement of its increase in snow plows comes just in time to address the wicked season to come. A recent freak snowstorm in the New England area dropped more than 30 inches of snow in some areas. The heavy, wet snow pushed over trees and snapped large branches, cutting off power to about 3 million businesses and homes from Maine to Maryland, according to USA TODAY.

With these dangerous conditions and icy roadways, we feel it’s time to start talking about the dangers and the risks of winter-related car accidents in Indiana.Our Highland car accident lawyers understand that meteorologists are predicting a lot of snow this season — above average levels. Indiana officials want to be prepared for this snowfall and the dangers and inconveniences that comes with it. To help keep the roads clear and safe for motorists, the Snow Force fleet was gifted with 6 new snow trucks for the upcoming season, according to Fox 59.

“Our Indy Snow Force fleet stands to clear city streets and keep residents safe during the harsh winter conditions we’re certain to face this season,” Ballard said.

The Indy Snow Force takes care of more than 6,000 lane miles of streets in the city. The fleet now consists of over 150 pieces of equipment. When snowfall exceeds 6 inches, the fleet tackles residential roadways to help residents gain access to their homes. This adds another 4,000 lane miles to the city’s workload.

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is on board and buckling down for a brutal winter as well. According to Eagle County, the INDOT is urging motorists to be cautious when the snowy weather drops down on us. All motorists should be prepared before these conditions pop up.

INDOT will continue to focus its efforts on ice and snow removal, while keep the safety of motorists as a top priority.

To help prepare for the upcoming season, officials with the Seymour District conducted a number of inspections on their snow-removal trucks all through October. Officials looked at safety equipment and mechanical components on the vehicles in their fleet to ensure they’d be able to combat the winter weather in full force. The Seymour District has nearly 200 snow plows that look over nearly 5,000 lane miles of interstates and state highways.

If you plan on driving during questionable weather, you’re urged to visit www.trafficwise.in.gov to check out road conditions. About 500,000 used the website last winter. The website offers you information regarding closed roadways, snowfall stats and other helpful information.

“You know, we’ll be ready for winter,” said Howard County Highway Department Supervisor Ted Cain. more If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, call Burton Padove for a free consultation to learn about how to ensure receipt for financial compensation for injuries you or others sustain at 219-836-2200.

More Blog Entries: AAA Records Teen Driving Habits to Analyze Risks of Car Accidents in Highland and Elsewhere, Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog, October 17, 2011 AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety and Ball State Office of Health Education Rally against Distracted Driving Car Accidents in Indiana, Indiana Injury And Family Lawyer Blog, October 7, 2011