BROWNWOOD – TxDOT crews began pre-treating roadways in all nine counties of the Brownwood District Monday morning in preparation for winter weather that will impact the area this afternoon.

Pre-treatment using brine, a salt and water mixture, helps to create a barrier to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the roadway, achieving one of the most important goals of winter storm management. Weather conditions are being monitored around the clock, as the safety of the traveling public is TxDOT’s number one priority. Crews are prepared to respond as frozen precipitation moves into the district this afternoon, retreating or deicing roadways as needed throughout this weather event.

Travel between Wednesday afternoon and Saturday is discouraged. Motorists who must travel can do their part by driving carefully and following these tips:

• Buckle every person, every ride.

• Use caution when driving over bridges and overpasses, as temperatures can be colder on elevated surfaces
  
• Reduce speed and drive with caution. A vehicle needs more distance to stop on a slick roadway. Do not apply brakes suddenly.  Do not use cruise control, so that you can better maintain control if you encounter slick areas on the roadway.
  
• Slow down and move over if possible when approaching emergency or maintenance vehicles, especially when their flashing lights are on. The law requires you to maintain a distance of at least 200 feet when approaching a snowplow, and never pass on the right. Visibility can also be reduced during winter weather conditions.
  
• Be patient. Your trip time – including short commutes to work – could increase when adverse weather conditions exist. Also, use main roads and avoid taking smaller, less traveled roads that may not have been pretreated or plowed.
  
• Winterize vehicles before traveling in times of adverse weather. Check fuel, tire air level and tread, along with oil and antifreeze levels. Make sure heater, brakes and windshield wipers are working properly.
  
• Check area weather conditions on radio or television before travel.

For real-time road closures and conditions, check DriveTexas.org. For local updates follow @TxDOTBWD on Twitter.