If you must travel out of town, and dangerous winter 
weather conditions are expected along any part of 
your route, be sure to tell your family or friends 
where you are going, the roads you will be taking, 
and your time of arrival. 

Make sure your gas tank is full. Carry a windshield 
scraper, jumper cables, a small shovel, a flashlight, 
a cellular phone, a blanket and additional warm 
clothing, drinking water, and high calorie 
non-perishable food.

Do not panic if you become stranded on the road during 
a winter storm. Call someone on your cell phone and 
let them know you are stranded. Do not try to walk to 
safety, stay in your vehicle.  Attach a cloth to your 
car antenna or window to indicate you need help. Turn 
on the dome light and flashers to make your vehicle 
more noticeable. 

The Illinois Department of Transportation also reminds 
you to be on the lookout for snow plows this winter. 
If the plow is coming toward you, allow plenty of room 
for it to pass. If you approach a snowplow from the rear, 
pass with care, and only when you can see the road ahead 
of the plow. 

Check out road conditions on the Interstate system 
before you leave town. Call the Illinois Department of 
Transportation’s toll free number at, 1-800-452-4368 for 
current conditions. During a storm, the reports are 
updated every two hours. You can also check road 
conditions on the Internet at: www.dot.il.gov