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Traffic safety tips ahead of winter storm weather

The Department of transportation said their main objective is to make sure that everyone that gets out on the roadways in the safest way possible.

CONNECTICUT, USA — The Connecticut Department of Transportation is stocked, staffed, and ready to go as Connecticut braces for winter storm weather Wednesday evening. 

“We know in Connecticut it's not a matter of if we're going to get snow, just a matter of when," said Josh Morgan, spokesperson for the Department of Transportation. 

The Department of Transportation said their main objective is to ensure everyone gets out on the roadways in the safest way possible, which is why they have a place like the salt shed. 

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Around 80 DOT mechanics are spanned at over 12 repair garages throughout the state. Some garages, such as the one at Rocky Hill, are fully equipped with a machine shop and manufacturing repair parts for the trucks. 

“So we have people who, not just fix plows, fix our equipment, they’re actually fabricating and building parts that are then used to fix our plows and fix our equipment” 

Driving tips from AAA and the DOT:

  • Do not overcrowd the plow.
  • Stay at least 300 feet behind a plow during a storm.
  • Drive slowly and always adjust your speed to account for lower traction on snow and ice.
  • Accelerate and decelerate slowly to avoid skidding.
  • Know your car and whether or not you have antilock breaks.
  • Keep your heel on the floor and use the ball of your foot to apply pressure to the brake pedal.
  • DON'T PANIC! 

The trucks have technology that monitors road conditions and eliminates waste, making them more efficient. 

One of the newest fleet trucks in the fleet have sensors that detect the road and air temperature to determine how much salt needs to be put on the roadway. 

Highway operation centers in Newington and Bridgeport have over 300 highway network cameras. 

The cameras can monitor road conditions, report any crashes to state police, and look out for other issues on the highway. 

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