For Immediate Release:
February 8, 2016 Contact:
Kyle Collins
District Communications
478.232.3331
Avoid black ice by turning off sprinkler systems
TENNILLE-- As overnight temperatures dip well below freezing to start the week, the Georgia Department of Transportation reminds citizens to turn off sprinkler systems with automatic timers. Sprinkler systems operating in freezing temperatures create hazardous, black ice conditions for motorists the next morning.
Black ice is a thin, often invisible sheet of ice that forms on the roadway, especially on bridges, overpasses and low lying areas. It can appear at any time when temperatures drop below freezing and there is any form of moisture, from sprinklers, run-off or precipitation on the roadway.
Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information on roadway conditions. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, including winter weather closures, reports of icing or other hazardous conditions on interstates and state routes.
Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week. More information is available at www.511ga.org.
