For Immediate Release: November 2, 2009

Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists to Prepare for Winter Weather
Authority Offers Simple Winter Readiness & Safe Driving Tips

With the winter weather approaching, the New York State Thruway Authority today reminds motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the upcoming winter driving season. 

“The Thruway Authority prides itself on its snow and ice removal efforts and keeping the Thruway clear and safe for motorists,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer.  “The Authority’s winter maintenance crews are committed to improving road conditions by plowing snow and de-icing the pavement so that motorists can safely reach their destinations.  Motorists are asked to prepare their vehicles in advance of the winter driving season.”

To assist with the Authority’s Winter Maintenance Program, the Authority has more than 800 pieces of motorized equipment consisting of dump trucks, spreaders, front loaders, stake trucks and stake dump trucks.  Additionally, the Authority has approximately 600 staff members dedicated to winter maintenance and safety efforts. 

The Authority’s 23 maintenance sections responded to an average of 38 winter storm events over the 2008/2009 winter season, keeping the Thruway, ramps and bridges and parking lots clear for motorists.

“At all times, Thruway travelers are reminded drive responsibly by remaining alert and attentive in inclement weather,” added Fleischer.

The Thruway Authority offers these simple winter readiness tips:

• Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same; it’s the law. 
• Winterize your vehicle with proper anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid levels.
• Keep a windshield brush, ice scraper, gloves, a blanket and a flashlight readily available in your vehicle.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly tuned and that your exhaust system is in proper working order.
• Plan your trips carefully and listen to the local weather reports or the National Weather Service for the predicted weather conditions along your travel route.
• Drive safely; be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Remember, during the winter, stopping distances become longer.
• Keep in mind that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. During inclement weather, it is necessary to slow down.
• Motorists should always maintain a safe following distance behind snowplows; do not tailgate.

In the event of an emergency, breakdown or minor accident, motorists are advised not to stop within or near travel lanes. If the vehicle can be driven, motorists should travel to the nearest exit or safe location.  If the vehicle is inoperable, motorists should activate four-way flashers and stay inside the vehicle until authorized personnel arrive to provide assistance. In an event of an emergency, motorists are advised to call either 1-800-842-2233 or 911 to report the situation. Travelers should never walk along the roadway.

In the event of inclement weather, motorists will be advised through electronic Dynamic Message Signs (DMS) along the roadway and the Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations.  The HAR stations broadcast traffic advisories, road conditions, weather reports and safety tips to travelers 24 hours a day.  Motorists can tune their vehicle radios to the following frequencies: New York City area and Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor – 530 AM; Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas – 1610 AM; the Utica area – 540 AM; Syracuse, Lafayette area and Geneva/Waterloo area – 1620 AM; and in the Ripley area – 98.7 FM. 

Motorists may also receive up-to-date road condition information by calling toll-free 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) or logging onto www.nysthruway.gov .The Thruway’s TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-253-6244.  Road conditions for highways across New York State, including the Thruway, can be found at www.511ny.org/ .

Motorists can also find the latest forecasts by the National Weather Service for regions along the Thruway by logging onto the Thruway’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/weather/ .

Additionally, the Authority offers a free email service called TRANSalert to its customers to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. For the most up-to-date information about unscheduled incidents affecting travel on the Thruway, motorists are encouraged to sign up for the TRANSalert service at the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/ .

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