City of Austin and TxDOT Preparing for Icy Conditions
The City of Austin and the Texas Department of Transportation are pre-treating major roadways and bridges in preparation for possible icy conditions.
Austin and TxDOT Come Better Prepared Following Last Year’s Winter Freeze
According to CBS Austin, crews have been working around the clock since Wednesday applying a brine solution to highways, overpasses, and elevated structures. The solution should help to prevent freezing, but crews are also ready with magnesium chloride should severe ice become a problem.
Many Texans recall poor road conditions caused by extreme winter weather in February 2020. The conditions resulted in a sharp uptick in accidents, with hundreds of accidents occurring across the state.
TxDOT hopes the preparation will help reduce crash risks, though they do not expect the current weather to be as extreme or long-lasting as last year’s unprecedented winter blast.
The City of Austin will also have a fleet of vehicle monitoring streets, with crews conducting visual inspections of roadways and measuring road surface temperatures with digital thermometers.
The Austin Public Works Department said that after last year’s winter storm, the department updated its winter weather emergency plan to better address snow on critical roadways. They will prioritize roadways used to access hospitals, public safety and emergency services stations, water treatment plants, and other critical locations.
Residents can call 3-1-1 to request the removal of debris and snow blocking or hindering the proper flow of traffic on roadways.
Tips for Driving in Winter Conditions
Thomas J. Henry Law would like to remind everybody to take extra precautions as our state deals with potentially icy conditions. In the event of icy roads, your best course of action is to not drive at all; however, if travel is necessary:
- Avoid elevated roads, such as overpasses, and bridges. They are more prone to ice coverage.
- Allow for extra travel time. You do not want to be in a rush.
- Slow down and take turns carefully.
- Avoid sudden braking or accelerating. Sudden changes in speed can cause your vehicle to lose traction.
- Pack emergency supplies, including blankets, jumper cables, emergency lights, and a cell phone charger in case of an emergency.
As always, you should monitor your local weather reports before setting out. If conditions seem unsafe, err on the side of caution and stay home.
Speak with an Experienced Austin Car Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one is involved in a crash during the winter weather, call Thomas J. Henry Law. Our attorneys can help gather the evidence and information necessary to hold the at-fault driver responsible for your accident and injuries. We can also demonstrate the value of the damages you suffered, putting you in the best position to recover maximum financial compensation.
Time is critical when it comes to filing a Texas car accident claim. The longer you wait, the more likely you are to compromise your claim to compensation. Our auto accident attorneys are on-call 24/7, nights and weekends. Call for your free case consultation.
