KYTC crews prepare for snow and ice season

While most folks are enjoying the beautiful fall leaves, Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 1 crews are already thinking about snow.

Snow season in western Kentucky runs from November 1 to April 1 each year.  Highway crews have to be fully prepared for snowfall -- big or small -- all winter long.  The earliest significant snowfall on record for Paducah was on Oct. 30 of 1993, but the median date for first snowfall is the first week of December.  

Our region averages about 10 inches of snow per year, with that generally coming in three or four snow events averaging about three inches each.  

During the past couple of weeks, highway crews in the 12 western Kentucky counties have given each truck and plow a thorough going over.  

Equipment checks include plow control units and hydraulic systems; lighting; computer systems that control salt flow and output; and augers and spreaders.   

While crews prep for the approaching winter weather, they ask that you do the same.  Now is a good time to check your personal vehicle - before snow is in the immediate forecast.  

A Colorado Department of Transportation Survey found many of the people who ended up in the ditch during snow events had tire tread thickness below industry standards. Tire tread is also critical for keeping you on the road when it rains. 

Test your coolant anti-freeze, and check for signs of wear or weakness on hoses and belts.

Snow plow operators advise everyone to observe the three basic rules of diving on snow:  Slow down, Slow down, and slow down.