Kankakee Times

In a Nov. 21 Facebook post, Sen. Jason Barickman (R-Bloomington) encouraged Illinois residents to stay safe in winter weather.

“Stay safe this winter as the temperatures begin to drop,” said Barickman.

The Illinois Department of Transportation is asking community members to stay safe during winter weather, especially if they're going to be out and driving.

“While our top priority is making sure our roads are safe for the motoring public, we do ask the motoring public to do their part as well,” said Anna Ghidina, the traffic operations engineer for IDOT District 4 that includes the Tri-County area. “Together we're reminding the people we serve safety is everyone's responsibility.”

 Ghidina spoke Wednesday at IDOT’s maintenance facility in Edwards during the launch of this year’s “Winter Weather – Get It Together” awareness campaign. She said IDOT prepares year-round for its winter operations.

According to Ghidina, the "Winter Weather, Get it Together" campaign launched with several tips for drivers. Those include: "Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering, and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions. Drop it and drive. Put down the handheld devices – it, too, is the law in Illinois. Don’t crowd the plow. A snowplow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see them, but they may not see you. Avoid using cruise control in snow and ice. Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. Be especially careful approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas. All are prone to icing. Do not travel during bad weather unless necessary. If you do have to make a trip, check the forecast, and make sure someone is aware of your travel route. Consider taking public transportation if it is an option. Prepare an emergency kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, non-perishable food and a first-aid kit. Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. Follow Scott’s Law. Slow down and move over for stopped emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles."

Barickman has served in the Illinois Senate since 2013 and spent two years as a state representative before that. His current committee assignments include Executive (Minority Spokesperson); Redistricting (Minority Spokesperson); Energy and Public Utilities; Judiciary; Labor; Judiciary- Business Entities; Judiciary- Privacy; Redistricting- Chicago South (Sub-Minority Spokesperson); Redistricting- E Central & SE IL (Sub-Minority Spokesperson); Executive- Elections; Executive- Cannabis.