Crew spend day clearing roads

While area law enforcement officers were busy trying to clear numerous wrecks in the slippery conditions, employees of the Arkansas Highway and Transportation Department are working to get the roads cleared.

No serious injuries were reported from the numerous accidents on Monday, police said.

Trucks from the state agency were out Sunday, pretreating problem areas, such as bridges and overpasses, said Maurice Phillips, area maintenance supervisor for the AHTD.

The department has had four chemical spreaders and several snow plows out to clear the snow and spread a mixture of chemicals, including salt, to melt the snow and help prevent it from re-freezing as temperatures drop.

By Monday afternoon, the major highways, Interstate 55, U.S. Highway 61 and Arkansas 18 were cleared for traffic, Phillips said.

"We're now working on the secondary roads," he said Monday.

The crews have been working for 12-hour shifts for more than 24 hours to try to make the roads safer, Phillips said.

"We'll stay out as long as we need to," he said. "We're not even taking lunch breaks."

Phillips also asked that residents give the workers so consideration so that the work may get done in a timely fashion.

"Give us the benefit of the doubt," Phillips said. "Just because you don't see us, doesn't mean we're not out here working."

Crews from the county road department were checking out the county roads for any obstructions, said County Judge Randy Carney.

Big snowdrifts that could impeded traffic on paved roads will be removed, he said. However, gravel roads can be damaged by blading in the snow, so the crews only remove obstructions such as downed trees or power lines, the judge said.

Crews from Blytheville's Public Works Department were out Monday using a spreader to put sand and salt out on dangerous intersections and in other locations, a spokeswoman said.

The salt helps to melt ice and the sand helps provide traction on the ice, she said.

Extra caution should be used when driving on icy or snowy roads. Experts offer the following tips:

-- Make sure to leave extra space, at least several car lengths, between your vehicle and the one in front of you.

-- Decrease speed. It makes it easier to react when a hazard is discovered.

-- Don't use the cruise control or automatic overdrive. Both tend to make drivers less aware of the road conditions.

-- Brake gently. If ice is on the roads, slamming on the brakes will usually result in a spinning car. If brakes start to lock up, let up on the brakes and reapply gently.

-- Be extra alert on bridges and overpasses, where ice can hide, even if roads are clear. Always proceed with caution over an ice-covered bridge.

-- Be patient with snow plows and salt trucks. These vehicles are moving slowly for a reason, to make the roadways safer. Never pass a snow plow or salt truck because visibility can be hindered and road conditions worse ahead of them.

-- Don't be overconfident. Not all vehicles can adequately handle snow or ice on roadways. Don't drive on icy roads unless it is absolutely necessary.

-- Make sure your windshield is clean. Ice patches can be difficult to see. A dirty windshield only decreases visibility.

-- Use headlights to aid visibility, even during the daylight hours. Lights help make sure other drivers can see your vehicle, as well as helping you see them.

dhilton@blythevillecourier.com