KDOT reminds motorists of tips for winter driving

The Kansas Department of Transportation encourages travelers to be prepared for winter driving conditions during their holiday travels, a KDOT statement said last week.

Before traveling, be informed about weather and road conditions. Call 511 anytime from any phone in Kansas, or (866) 511-5368 from anywhere in the United States to find out about the latest driving conditions for the Kansas Turnpike and any Interstate, U.S. or state highway in Kansas and Nebraska. Phone numbers for road conditions in other states surrounding Kansas are also provided. Information is provided free from a landline phone; however, for cellular phone users, cell minutes may apply but there should be no roaming fee, the KDOT statement said.

Road information can also be obtained by visiting the 511 Travel Information Web site at http://511.ksdot.org. The site also provides links to other information, such as closed roads and driving conditions lists, weather, travel information for other states, and more. Travelers can also use their handheld mobile devices, such as Smartphones or Blackberries to access a text report for construction project information by visiting http://511mm.ksdot.org.

During recent upgrades to the 511 Web site, the mapping support graphics were changed. Unfortunately, this change has caused users who are not using the Microsoft Internet Explorer browser to have difficulty accessing the site or some of its features, such as the interactive map.

Anyone using operating systems other than Microsoft or a browser other than Internet Explorer (for example, Firefox or Safari) can get a text list of driving conditions that includes closed roads by going to KDOT's Internet site at www.ksdot.org, and clicking on the link provided for a driving conditions list.

For those users who are able to access the 511 Web site, but are unable to see the map, a link at the top of the page has been provided to get the driving conditions report. Just follow the steps on the screen to get the desired report.

Some users on these browsers may be able to access the 511 Web site and use the static map view and other links on the site.

In addition to remembering to take it slow during bad weather, KDOT also reminds travelers to prepare for safe winter driving with the following tips:

* Inspect the vehicle's tires, wiper blades, fluids, lights, belts and hoses. In order to see and be seen, make sure to remove any snow on the vehicle's windows, lights, brake lights and signals before driving.

* Allow extra time to reach a destination safely.

* Stay attentive, drive well below the posted speed limit and leave plenty of room between cars when driving in wet, snowy or icy conditions.

* Avoid excessive actions while steering, braking or accelerating to lessen the changes of losing control of the vehicle. For drivers using anti-lock brakes, press the pedal down firmly and hold it. Drivers who don't have anti-lock brakes should gently pump the pedal.

* Slow down when approaching intersections, off-ramps, bridges or shady spots -- all candidates for developing black ice.

* Avoid using cruise control in winter driving conditions to maintain control of the vehicle.