Northern Kentucky road crews prepare for expected snowfall

COVINGTON, Ky. -- The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 6 announced late Thursday that its road crews were preparing for winter weather that’s expected to invade the Tri-State. 

Both state and contracted trucks are reporting in to work by 7 a.m. Friday and will be mobilized ahead of the snowfall, according to the KTYC.

The KTYC also announced Thursday that several District 6 crews were already on the road pre-treating some priority routes.

District 6 currently has 25,000 tons of salt on hand in its storage domes located at the state maintenance facilities and 124 state and contracted trucks available for this snow event.

To help assure that its workers can treat roads quickly, the KYTC is asking motorists to help its efforts by giving its salt trucks space so workers can do their jobs.

As KYTC has also provided a series of tips for driving in snow and ice:

• Make sure your vehicle is sufficiently winterized – check the battery, antifreeze level, heater, defroster, wipers and windshield washer.
• Avoid nonessential travel if conditions are dangerous.
• Dress warmly for the weather – wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, in anticipation of unexpected emergencies.
• Try to keep your gas tank at least two-thirds full to prevent fuel line freezing and to prepare for possible lengthy delays on the roadway.
• Make sure a friend or relative is aware of your travel route.
• Carry a cellphone.
• Make sure your vehicle has an emergency care kit. It should include jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, an ice scraper, blankets, nonperishable food, a first aid kit, and traction material.
• Drive carefully. Allow plenty of time to get to your destination. Do not use cruise control.
• Give a wide berth to snow removal equipment. 
• Remember that bridges and exit and entrance ramps can be icy when other areas are not.
• Stopping in snow requires more braking distance than stopping on dry pavement – up to four times more distance. Make sure to put plenty of distance between yourself and the vehicle ahead.
• Be visible. Dull, cloudy days will cut down on visibility, so drive using low-beam headlights.
• Steer into the skid. Stay calm and ease your foot off the gas while carefully steering in the direction you want the front of your vehicle to go.

For more information on road conditions you can visit the KTYC District 6 Facebook page at www.facebook.com/KYTC.District6 .