DOTD urges caution in wake of winter weather event
Friday, January 10, 2025 at 4:31:42 PM
DOTD urges caution in wake of winter weather event
SHREVEPORT – The Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development urges motorists to travel with extreme caution following the recent winter weather event in portions of the state.
While DOTD crews have pre-treated bridges & overpasses in regions that were anticipated to impacted by inclement weather, drivers are still reminded that as temperatures are forecast to drop below freezing overnight, slick spots on elevated roadways may develop as the result of continued rainfall.
Motorists should lower their speed, and be aware of ‘black ice’, which is a thin, transparent coating of glaze ice on the surface of the roadway that can be difficult to detect visually.
If you do experience black ice, you should:
- Remain calm and avoid overreacting.
- Allow your vehicle to pass over the ice without applying brakes.
- Keep your steering wheel straight. Turning the wheel increases the chances of sliding and losing control of the vehicle.
- If you enter a skid, take your foot off the accelerator and gently turn your steering wheel in the direction of the skid.
DOTD crews remain on standby this evening in the event they are needed to respond. Please be on the lookout for crews and other emergency responders and their equipment.
For the most up-to-date road status information, DOTD offers motorists various resources:
- 511 Traveler Information: Travelers can find information regarding road closures by downloading the Louisiana 511 mobile app or by visiting the 511 Traveler Information website at www.511la.org. This website is updated in real time with changing road conditions, and live-stream traffic cameras can be viewed here.
- MyDOTD: Motorists can receive up-to-date information on local projects, lane and road closures, and other DOTD activity by signing up via email for MyDOTD at www.dotd.la.gov.