Winter Weather Preparedness Week kicks off Sunday

This Sunday kicks off Winter Weather Preparedness Week, running now November 16th through the 22nd.

The Indiana Department of Transportation wants drivers to keep a few tips in mind before hitting the roads.

"INDOT urges drivers to dust off their winter driving habits before snow or ice leads to a crash or slide off," said INDOT Commissioner Karl Browning. "This means planning extra travel time and allowing a safe distance between cars, especially our plow trucks. Remember, if the roads are blocked, plows cannot get through."

INDOT also urges drivers to be aware of plow trucks on the roads.

The department said this year it is focusing on efforts to “ensure that we have the manpower, equipment, and materials needed to make state highways as safe as possible.”

INDOT said it is also realigning its snow routes to better serve residents and drivers.

INDOT is adding more plows to some routes.

There have been challenges in preparing to for the winter. Salt prices have increased by 57% across the state of Indiana.

INDOT is keeping salt in stock and has 220,000 tons on hand statewide.

Investments are being made in “tow plows” which is pulled behind a plow truck allowing two lanes to be cleared at once and will only be used on multi-lane highways and interstates.