VDOT humble brags about being ready for winter snow: Good for them

VDOT sent everybody in the media a release today bragging about how it’s ready for the winter snow season, which, fine, but can I just say, I’m not?

“Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at VDOT. We plan throughout the year to ensure our crews are prepared for winter weather,” said Anne Booker, the acting chief of maintenance and operations, who comes across as an Eagle Scout type here.

I’ve already had enough.

The release tells us that VDOT has more than 128,000 miles of roadway to cover when there’s snow and ice, which is another good reason not to wish this crap on us anytime soon.

More facts

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• Crews use more than 12,000 pieces of equipment during winter storms.
• Dump trucks, the backbone of VDOT’s fleet, are fitted with specialized plow configurations and material spreaders to dispense treatment materials.
• VDOT stocks more than 700,000 tons of salt, sand and treated abrasive as well as more than 1.9 million gallons of brine to use each winter season.

Safety tips

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• When the temperature drops, so does tire pressure, so make sure each tire is filled to the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended inflation pressure. Additionally, if the tires are old, they may need to be replaced to ensure the treads provide sufficient traction for driving.
• Check your battery, especially if you’ve had recent issues that required you to jumpstart it.
• Check brake lights, headlights, turn signals and emergency flashers.
• Make sure the windshield wiper fluid reservoir is full and that all windshield wipers work well.
• Prepare an emergency driving kit. It should have items such as a flashlight, ice scraper, jumper cables, blankets, first aid kit, bottled water and non-perishable food and abrasive material for traction, such as cat litter or sand.

Be prepared

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• Motorists are encouraged to use VDOT’s free mobile 511 app, visit vdot.virginia.gov or call 511 from any phone in Virginia to get up-to-date information on road and traffic conditions.
• During inclement weather events, VDOT uses social media to communicate with travelers. Check out VDOT’s social media options to get transportation information and travel tips in the format that serves you best.