RIDOT: Avoid Unnecessary Travel During Friday's Blizzard

The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel on Friday, Feb. 8, 2013 and to conclude all travel by noontime, before heavy snowfall begins. Combined with high winds, the intense snowfall will make travel very difficult Friday afternoon and Friday evening.

RIDOT will plow and treat roads throughout the storm on Friday and into Saturday, when strong winds are expected to cause considerable drifting. As snowfall rates intensify and blizzard conditions begin later on Friday, motorists should expect snow-covered roads wherever they travel.

 “While snowfall may be light on the way to work, we expect conditions to deteriorate and cause extensive travel delays for people trying to get home,” RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis said.  “The best advice we can give is to stay home if you don’t need to go out. If you are on the roads, reduce your speed and drive very carefully.”

RIDOT asked motorists to be cautious driving near snowplows and avoid passing them, especially on the right where large amounts of snow are kicked up. The road behind the plow is always the safest place to drive. Allow at least five car lengths between your vehicle and snowplows. 

Motorists required to travel during the storm should take steps to prepare today, including making sure their vehicle has a full tank of gas and they have a kit of essential items, such as jumper cables, a shovel, blankets, hats, gloves and boots. More winter driving tips can be found on RIDOT’s website at www.dot.ri.gov.

During the storm, RIDOT will provide additional information on its social media sites on Twitter and Facebook.