venture
02-03-2011, 08:10 PM
Having lived in a few cities around the country, these winter events always get me thinking that the road condition reporting could be better. In Oklahoma, we tend to have some pretty generic classifications that are mainly limited to areas patrolled by the OHP.
The Categories are: Slick in Spots, Slick Bridges & Overpasses, and Slick & Hazardous.
They do seem pretty specific, but they also seem sort of juvenile in their phrasing. Obviously if you hit a slick spot, it is going to be hazardous to you...so it really doesn't do much. Also, businesses could also use a better guide to go by for deciding how to handle operations.
So how to improve? I really liked this one system a northern state used. It could also allow businesses and residents to clearly understand how to handle the situation outside.
Specifics:
The opinion reads that the Sheriff may declare a "snow emergency" and temporarily close any township, county or state road within his jurisdiction for the preservation of public peace.
This decision will come after consulting with the County EMA (Emergency Management Agency), elected officials, the County Engineer, ODOT and on-duty deputies. A Snow Emergency has three levels...
Level 1 - A Level One Snow Emergency means that roads (township and county, mainly secondary) are hazardous with the possibility of blowing and drifting snow. Roads are icy and drivers should use caution, if they choose to drive.
Level 2 - A Level Two Snow Emergency means that roads are hazardous (including primary roads) with blowing and drifting snow a possibility. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on these roadways. Employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work.
Level 3 - A Level Three Snow Emergency means that roads are closed to all non-essential personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on any roadway in the county may subject themselves to citation or arrest.
The decision to call any of the above levels is a specific and difficult one. The Sheriff makes the initiative based on information he and his designees gather. These decisions shall be given to all local media. Please do not call the Sheriff's Office or 9-1-1 during such emergencies. The Sheriff will immediately announce when conditions have downgraded and the level changes.
The Categories are: Slick in Spots, Slick Bridges & Overpasses, and Slick & Hazardous.
They do seem pretty specific, but they also seem sort of juvenile in their phrasing. Obviously if you hit a slick spot, it is going to be hazardous to you...so it really doesn't do much. Also, businesses could also use a better guide to go by for deciding how to handle operations.
So how to improve? I really liked this one system a northern state used. It could also allow businesses and residents to clearly understand how to handle the situation outside.
Specifics:
The opinion reads that the Sheriff may declare a "snow emergency" and temporarily close any township, county or state road within his jurisdiction for the preservation of public peace.
This decision will come after consulting with the County EMA (Emergency Management Agency), elected officials, the County Engineer, ODOT and on-duty deputies. A Snow Emergency has three levels...
Level 1 - A Level One Snow Emergency means that roads (township and county, mainly secondary) are hazardous with the possibility of blowing and drifting snow. Roads are icy and drivers should use caution, if they choose to drive.
Level 2 - A Level Two Snow Emergency means that roads are hazardous (including primary roads) with blowing and drifting snow a possibility. Only those who feel it is necessary to drive should be on these roadways. Employees should contact their employers to see if they should report to work.
Level 3 - A Level Three Snow Emergency means that roads are closed to all non-essential personnel. No one should be out during these conditions unless it is absolutely necessary to travel. All employees should contact their employer to see if they should report to work. Those traveling on any roadway in the county may subject themselves to citation or arrest.
The decision to call any of the above levels is a specific and difficult one. The Sheriff makes the initiative based on information he and his designees gather. These decisions shall be given to all local media. Please do not call the Sheriff's Office or 9-1-1 during such emergencies. The Sheriff will immediately announce when conditions have downgraded and the level changes.