The City of Twin Falls dispatched all plows and sanders at about 5:30 a.m. Monday, Dec. 14 to reduce hazardous driving conditions on City streets, but continued snowfall, high winds, and low temperatures continue to form ice on roadways and reduce visibility.
A Winter Weather Advisory for snow and wind is in effect through Monday afternoon, and City Street Department workers will continue to plow and sand roadways until the snowfall subsides. If needed, workers will rotate shifts on the City’s five snow plows to provide 24 hour road maintenance.
When winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions, it is the responsibility of 14 Street Department workers to plow and sand about 640 miles of City streets. The City prioritizes plowing and sanding — with streets that support higher traffic counts and emergency vehicle access receiving a higher priority.
A map showing plowing priorities for City streets is available on the City of Twin Falls’ website at www.tfid.org
Drivers are asked to do the following:
- Slow down: Most accidents are caused by drivers traveling too fast. Drivers should be aware that the posted speed limit is for ideal driving conditions, so drivers should reduce their speed during inclement weather.
- Add space: Increase the amount of space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. Icy, snowy, or wet roads require more stopping distance, and the space between vehicles should exceed the ‘three-second-rule.’
- Stop sooner: Drivers should allow more space to come to a complete stop, so that they can more slowly apply the brakes. Braking abruptly may cause the vehicle to lose traction — and therefore control.
- Allow more time: Drivers should plan to leave early or arrive late, rather than risking the safety of themselves or others by driving at unsafe speeds.