For Immediate Release: October 28, 2008

Thruway Authority Reminds Motorists to Prepare for Winter Weather
Authority Offers Simple Winter Readiness Tips and Encourages Travelers to Sign Up for Free E-mail Alerts

The New York State Thruway Authority today reminds motorists to prepare themselves and their vehicles for the upcoming winter months. 

“Once again the Thruway Authority is prepared to do its part to improve road conditions by plowing snow and de-icing the pavement so that motorists can safely reach their destinations,” said Thruway Authority Executive Director Michael R. Fleischer. “At the same time the Authority recommends motorists take action to ensure their vehicle is ready for the winter driving season.”

To assist with the Authority’s Winter Maintenance Program, the Authority has more than 800 pieces of motorized equipment consisting of dump trucks, spreaders, front loaders, stake trucks and stake dump trucks.  Additionally, the Authority has approximately 600 staff members dedicated to winter maintenance and safety efforts.

Thruway travelers are reminded to prepare their vehicles and drive responsibly by remaining alert and attentive in inclement weather.

The Thruway Authority offers these simple winter readiness tips:

• Always buckle your seat belt and require your passengers to do the same; it’s the law. 
• Winterize your vehicle with proper anti-freeze and windshield washer fluid levels.
• Keep a windshield brush, ice scraper, gloves, a blanket and a flashlight readily available in your vehicle.
• Make sure your vehicle is properly tuned and that your exhaust system is in proper working order.
• Plan your trips carefully and listen to the local weather reports or the National Weather Service for the predicted weather conditions along your travel route.
• Drive safely; be alert and allow more distance between your vehicle and others. Remember, during the winter, stopping distances become longer.
• Keep in mind that posted speed limits are for ideal driving conditions. During inclement weather, it is necessary to slow down.
• Motorists should always maintain a safe following distance behind snowplows; do not tailgate.

For the latest information on the Thruway, motorists can obtain current road conditions along the Thruway by calling, toll-free, 24 hours a day, 1-800-THRUWAY (1-800-847-8929) and are encouraged to sing up for TRANSalerts via the Authority’s website. 

TRANSalert is a free service offered by the Authority to its customers via email or text messaging to inform them of major unscheduled incidents that may affect their travel on the Thruway. To sign up for the TRANSalert service, customers can visit the Authority’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/tas/ . 

Motorists can also find the latest forecasts by the National Weather Service for regions along the Thruway by logging onto the Thruway’s website at www.nysthruway.gov/weather/ .

Additionally, Highway Advisory Radio (HAR) stations broadcast traffic, accident and other Thruway specific information on the following frequencies: 530 AM in the Tappan Zee Bridge Corridor; 1610 AM in the Newburgh, Kingston, Albany, Rochester and Buffalo areas; 540 AM in the Utica area; 98.7 FM in the Ripley area; and 1620 AM in the Syracuse, Geneva/Waterloo area and along 1-81 near LaFayette.

The Thruway’s TDD/TTY number for the hearing impaired is 1-800-253-6244.  Road conditions for highways across New York State, including the Thruway, can be found at www.travelinfony.com .

The Authority remains committed to providing high levels of safety and service throughout the winter season and year round.

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