As Winter Awareness Week comes to a close, even college students can prepare for the weather and the more dangerous driving conditions this winter, according to the Indiana Department of Transportation.
Megan Tsai, spokeswoman for INDOT, said the first ice or snow storm of the year can be the most dangerous for drivers, and it is important to raise awareness.
"If people can remember ice and snow, take it slow, then we feel that will go a long way to keep everyone safe on the roads," she said.
College students experience a different set of problems because many drive long distances, and out-of-state students are sometimes unfamiliar with winter weather in Indiana, Tsai said.
Drivers can be prepared for the weather by having winter weather preparedness kits including nonperishable foods, blankets, a coat, car tools and supplies and review their driving habits, she said.
People could be safe by preparing for road trips ahead and watching weather reports ahead of time, she said, and for people to drive only when they are comfortable.
Because 11 out of 17 winter deaths are crashes, Tsai said, the dangers of the winter highways present a high risk to drivers.
"We are ready to go and we want all Hoosier motorists to be ready for winter as well," she said.
Dave Tucek, meteorologist with the Indianapolis weather service, said the regionalized awareness week was important because winter weather can be fairly significant for people traveling.
Although the winter might appear to be milder, he said, that is no true indication of how dangerous the winter can be.
"We can still have some descent snow storms and ice storms," he said.
Mary Gaston, assistant general manager of the Muncie Indiana Transit System, said the company also prepares for the winter weather.
MITS prepares the fleet by making sure their heaters are working and changing the fuel mix.
"The fewer people who are in their cars during the winter storms, the better for everybody," she said.
MITS also has snow removal equipment to clear intersections in more serious storms, she said.
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