BOISE – It is just a matter of hours now until that winter storm Rick Lantz has predicted hits our neck of the woods. That is when snow crews from around the Treasure Valley will report for duty.
Rick Davismeier leads a road crew at the Ada County Highway District. His team is getting sand trucks, salt trucks and broom trucks ready to go in a moment's notice for when that first snowflake arrives.
“We are getting it ready right now in case we get called out so were ready to go. Fire it up and get right out on the road,” said Davismeier.
ACHD started early Tuesday pretreating the roads with magnesium chloride in anticipation for when the snow flies.
Public Information Specialist Christine Myron with ACHD explained the reason for pretreating the roads.
“When the snow does fall it will reduce the chance of it bonding to the roadway and making those roadways really slick,” said Myron.
A predicted 3 to 6 inches is to arrive Wednesday and until then, snow crews will monitor conditions overnight and get called in early if it's necessary.
It's been a slow start to the winter in Boise with no real snowfall yet this year. The plow trucks and deicer have sat dormant all year.
“We have been ready to go since early fall really we have had our materials and our supplies on hand so we are ready for this storm and whatever comes,” said Myron.
Hours ahead of this winter storm, Commercial Tire is steady with business. It's later in the season than usual for the rush of business, their stock of tire chains is running low and the wait time for a snow tire change is anywhere from a 1 to 2 hours
Across town at Thriftway Home Center, the 60 snow shovels that typically would be out of stock this time of year still have not sold. Employees say customers are slowly trickling in asking for ice melt, and a sturdy shovel as they brace for the winter storm.
When the snow does hit, Davismeier and the other Ada County Highway District drivers will be out working Boise’s major highways, hills and intersections.
He reminds fellow drivers to watch out for ACHD equipment, by not getting to close.
“We are spraying the highways with it (deicer),” said Davismeier. He asks that others work along with them to keep safe.
“Let’s all work together and we will make this happen,” he said.
Winter Driving Preps!
Winter may finally be arriving in the Treasure Valley. It's a good time to review Winter Driving Safety!
These tips on Winter Driving Safety are courtesy of the Idaho Transportation Department:
Winter driving calls for special skills. On slippery roads, the keys to safety are slower speeds, gentler stops and turns, and longer following distances.
Here are some safe-driving tips that will help you when roads are slick with ice or snow:
- Keep your vehicle in the best possible driving condition. The lights, tires, brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, and radiator are especially important for winter driving.
- Keep your windows clear. Don't start driving until the windows are defrosted and clean-even if you're going only a short distance. Keep your windshield washer reservoir filled with a non-freezing solution all winter.
- For safety reasons, you should not use cruise control if the road is wet and/or icy.
- Buckle up. All occupants are required to wear safety belts and/or shoulder straps when riding in a vehicle equipped with them.
- Get the feel of the road by starting out slowly and testing your steering control and braking ability. Avoid spinning your tires when you start by gently pressing your gas pedal until the car starts to roll. Start slowing your car down at least three times sooner than you normally do when turning or stopping.
- When stopping, avoid sudden movements of the steering wheel and pump the brake gently. (Check your vehicle owner's manual; if the vehicle has anti-lock brakes, you may apply steady pressure to the brake pedal.)
- Use tire chains on very slippery roads. (Some states require chains to be carried during winter months; check for specific information before driving in other states.)
- Be aware of potential icy areas such as shady spots, bridges, and overpasses. Ice may form sooner or remain on bridges and overpasses longer, since they are exposed on their undersides and are deprived of ground warmth. Snow and ice also stay longer in shaded areas.
- Use extra caution when encountering snow removal equipment; snowplow blades force snow up and off the road, potentially causing blizzard-like conditions and reduced visibility for drivers following too closely.
- Use caution when driving in winter conditions, and cooperate with highway workers clearing the roads.
- Drivers should follow these additional tips for safe winter driving:
- Remain two car lengths behind snowplow trucks for every 10 mph you drive. Sand being spread by trucks can damage your vehicle.
- Do not pass a snowplow unless it is absolutely necessary.
- If you must pass, do so only when you can clearly see the road ahead. Do not pass on the side where the plow is spraying snow. If you do, the snow's force can knock your car out of control. Do not cut back immediately in front of a snowplow truck. The plow blades are often covered with snow and can be difficult to see.
- Do not brake suddenly if you are traveling in front of a snowplow. The heavy vehicle cannot stop as quickly as your automobile.
- Do not abandon your car unless it is absolutely necessary. If you must, leave it as far off the road as possible. Abandoned cars can interfere with the road clearing process and can be extremely hazardous to snow removal equipment and the operators if they are hidden or buried by snow. You should keep an emergency winter driving kit in your car.
- If you run your car for heat, make sure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow. If available, tie a scarf or bright cloth on the car antennae for snow crews to see.
- Let someone know your travel plans, including estimated departure and arrival times, route, and where you will stay when you reach your destination.
- Be courteous and call those who may be worried when you arrive at your destination. Keep in contact. If you have a cell phone, make sure it is charged, and carry a list of emergency phone numbers.
- If you get stranded, stay with your vehicle if heavy snow is falling. Most deaths occur when people leave their car, get lost, and freeze.
- In case of medical emergencies in areas where roads have not been plowed, call the local or state police. These agencies will work with search and rescue personnel and the Idaho Transportation Department to respond to emergencies.
For travel information, dial "511" or go to www.511.idaho.gov for up-to-date information on: weather-related road conditions
