(MSC News)--With snow and freezing temperatures in the forecast for the next few days, the Kansas Department of Transportation is busy making the needed preparations to ensure Kansas roads are safe for motorists, with some some roads being pre-treated in advance of the expected snowfall:

KDOT spokeswoman Ann Williamson says the department is fully stocked on supplies such as salt, and crews are already out cleaning up roads and familiarizing themselves with the areas they are responsible for clearing. Equipment operators have also gone through extensive training, including courses designed to educate them on all aspects of roadway snow and ice control.

Williamson says motorists should also ready themselves for winter weather travel. She suggests cleaning the snow and ice from your vehicle windows, mirrors and lights, slow down while traveling, do not use your cruise control, use your seatbelt, allow for more travel time, and remember to accelerate and brake as gently as possible. Increasing your following distance between other vehicles. She says the Kansas Highway Patrol recommends giving eight seconds to increase your following distance.

Motorists who are involved in a non injury wreck should also follow basic steps in the name of safety. She says you should move your vehicle out of the lane of traffic, remain in your vehicle, and remain buckled up. You should either call 911 or contact the KHP by calling *47 from your cell phone, and if you are on the turnpike, call *582.


Williamson says that one of the best ways to stay safe on the road is to know the conditions before leaving home. Travelers can obtain route specific road conditions and weather by calling 511 within the state or 866-511-5368 from out of state. The same information can be obtained by visiting kandrive.org.