Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – As winter weather nears, the Illinois Department of Transportation is readying more than 1,800 trucks to plow almost 45,000 lane miles across the state. IDOT and the Illinois State Police are encouraging motorists to take steps to be prepared on the state’s roadways.

  • Check Road Conditions: Bookmark GettingAroundIllinois.com for 24/7 updates on road conditions.
  • Avoid Unnecessary Travel: Limit travel during severe weather whenever possible.
  • Drive with Caution: Reduce speed, allow extra travel time, and increase following distance to account for icy roads.
  • Watch for Black Ice: Take extra care near intersections, ramps, bridges, and shaded areas that may ice over quickly.
  • Stay Back from Plows: Keep a safe distance from snowplows; roads are safer behind them, and a damaged plow slows snow removal.
  • Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like jumper cables, an ice scraper, traction materials, non-perishable food, and blankets.
  • Buckle Up: Seat belts are your best defense in a crash and are required by law.
  • Put Down the Phone: Follow Illinois’ hands-free law to avoid distractions.
  • Move Over for Stopped Vehicles: Adhere to the “Move Over” law by slowing down and changing lanes when approaching any stopped vehicle.
  • Carry a Phone Charger: Keep a charger on hand in case of emergencies.

“At IDOT, we preach safety all the time,” said highway maintainer Riley Cowman. While operating a plow, Cowman was run off the road a few years ago by a semi-truck, leaving him stranded awaiting help and taking his plow out of commission. He asks that motorists give plows more room and allow them to do their work.  That way, he said, everyone gets to their destination safely, whether it is home to family or to work.

VIDEO | IDOT highway maintainer Riley Cowman gives tour of IDOT snowplow controls

“Our troopers risk their lives on the roads helping motorists who have crashed or become stranded in the snow and ice.  Help keep them, and yourself, safe by planning for extra drive time, slowing down, and moving over for emergency vehicles stopped to help others stay safe,” said ISP Director Brendan Kelly.

ISP Commander Feld, at an IDOT news conference Wednesday, added that motorists should always fully clear snow from lights, hoods, all windows, and trunks so their vision is clear, and other vehicles are not hit by snow.

IDOT reports the salt domes are at capacity with 542,000 tons of salt to keep roads safe and clear. Last year, IDOT used 312,000 tons of salt statewide.

In the 2023-2024 fiscal year, IDOT spent more than $82 million statewide on snow removal between labor, material and equipment. In District 6, consisting of 15 Central Illinois counties including Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Christian, Montgomery, and Morgan, more than $9 million was spent.

For updates on winter road conditions and storm response, follow IDOT on Facebook and X.

More plow drivers are needed due to an industry-wide shortage of workers with a commercial driver’s license. Information on openings can be found at https://illinois.jobs2web.com.