Illinois Tollway reminds customers to be prepared for winter driving
The Illinois Tollway is ready for winter, but are you?
When winter storms strike, the Tollway moves rapidly to clear its roads but drivers still need to be prepared to deal with snow, sleet, freezing rain and other difficult weather when they get behind the wheel.
“Winter can be a challenging time for drivers but we’re committed to providing whatever equipment and staffing required to keep our roads clear and safe for our customers this winter,” said Illinois Tollway Executive Director José Alvarez. “But we’re urging our customers to take a few simple precautions when driving this winter to help us protect them, as well as our roadway workers and emergency responders, so that we can all safely reach our destinations.”
To stay safe while driving this winter remember to:
- Slow down and leave enough time to reach your destination.
- Steer clear of other vehicles by increasing your distance from them, particularly plows and other emergency vehicles. Tollway trucks have been struck by other vehicles 21 times so far this year, endangering our roadway workers and the drivers themselves.
- Avoid sudden lane changes and always use your turn signal.
- Always wear your safety belt and ensure children under the age of 8 are securely restrained in child safety seats.
- Dial *999 if you need roadside assistance. Stay inside your vehicle if it becomes disabled, turn on your hazard lights, and if possible, park safely on the shoulder. Dial *999 and help will be dispatched to your location.
- Drop It and Drive. Don't text or use a hand-held cellphone while driving. Both are illegal.
- Give Them Distance. The Move Over Law requires drivers to slow down and, if possible, safely change lanes whenever they approach a stopped vehicle that has its hazard lights flashing.