LUFKIN  – Texas Department of Transportation crews are busy today monitoring and treating roads and bridges throughout the nine-county Lufkin District after sleet and snow began falling across the area.

 

Even though weather forecasts are calling for weather to clear by late today, TxDOT workers began treating and monitoring roads and bridges in Shelby, San Augustine, Sabine, Houston and Angelina counties early Wednesday.

 

Predicted rainfall turned to sleet and then to snow by late morning in many East Texas areas as crews treated roadways with magnesium chloride to keep them passable.

Houston County officials first reported snow about mid-morning and then reports of a good dosing of sleet and snow were reported in Angelina, Sabine and San Augustine counties. Shelby County reported heavy snow and sleet and crews treated all county bridges.

 

If you encounter work crews on the roadway, please slow down and allow them room to work to make your drive safer.

 

TxDOT continues to release tips for safe driving in winter conditions. Driving on ice presents a unique problem that is addressed with these safety tips recommended by the National Safety Council:

 

·         Do not use cruise control when driving in icy, snowy, rainy or foggy conditions.

·         Be especially careful when driving on bridges, overpasses and tunnels, and in the early morning when the air temperature rises faster than the pavement temperature.

·         Never brake while driving on ice.

Applying pressure to your brakes while on black ice will cause a vehicle to skid. Brake only during your normal approach.

·         Keep your distance.

The distance needed to stop on black ice is twice as long as for normal driving circumstances.

Adjust your following distance behind the vehicle in front of you depending on conditions.

·         Give yourself some room.

Majority of our incidents are taking place when motorists are trying to drive around equipment. 

Anticipate the actions of those around you.

Adjust your travel path/spacing prior to approaching curves, bridges, and changes in lane configurations.

·         Weight down pickups to improve traction – driving empty or light creates additional hazard and chance of loss of traction.  When driving empty or light, slow down.

 

·         When responding to incidents and/or assisting stranded motorists, stay in your vehicles as much as possible.

·         Drive with your headlights on day and night to increase visibility.

 

Always check on conditions at drivetexas.org for road conditions before you travel.

Road conditions and traffic updates also available on Facebook.com/txdot or Twitter.com/TxDOTLufkin.