Illinois motorists urged to prepare for winter

SPRINGFIELD — With winter weather soon due in Illinois, the state transportation department wants motorists to prepare for the ice and snow.

Illinois Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig said Tuesday that motorists should plan ahead and give themselves enough time to get to their destinations. He says drivers should wear their seat belts and eliminate distractions in vehicles.

The department has started a campaign called "Ice and Snow — Take it Slow."

According to department statistics, there will be more than 3,900 employees and 1,900 pieces of equipment available this winter to clear state routes.

The agency says last year it spent $79.6 million on snow removal and spread 536,600 tons of salt.

The Illinois Tollway has nearly 200 plow trucks and other equipment ready to deal with winter snow and ice storms.