Road crews prepare for winter storm

CRAWFORDSVILLE, Ind. (WLFI) - Slippery conditions, sleet-covered roads, drifting snow. All these factors make for the perfect combination to put a driver's safety at risk. However, the Indiana Department of Transportation is working hard to make the roads a little more bearable.

Spokeswoman Debbie Calder said crews hit the roads before a storm is expected to start.

"We will have a full crew in coming in at midnight. Those drivers will drive for 12 hours then we should have a new set of drivers coming in at noon," Calder said.

But crews have already been hard at work. Calder said the roads have been pretreated with an anti-icing material.

"It helps the crews because it gives them a little bit of a head start. When the first snow starts to fall, the traffic driving over the road and the salt grinding on the road can help it melt," Calder said.

Calder said when the snow and sleet start, crews will then be busy plowing and laying down salt.

Calder said drivers can also play a part in staying safe on the roads.

"When they have to travel like this, the biggest thing is just take your time so you're not in a hurry. You're going to have to slow way down and drive according to the conditions. Also, give yourself plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you and don't slam on your brakes," Calder said.

Calder said crews will be out continuously until the roads are safe and clear.