We had our first real snow event of the winter season this weekend, and though it wasn’t as severe as anticipated in Dallas County, it served as a good reminder for exercising caution while driving in adverse winter conditions.

Of course, for any snow event the public’s first line of defense against slick roads is the people maintaining them, such as the Dallas County Secondary Roads Department. County Engineer Al Miller says his department typically operates from 5 a.m. – 5 p.m. each day of the week, and promises that crews will do their best to make sure all roads are cleared for motorists. However, he emphasizes that his department does not run at all times of day, so he offers advice for when travelling late in the evening or early in the morning.

“My recommendation would be all those state highways that the DOT is operating on 24/7, if you have to travel when the conditions are bad, try to stay on the state routes as much as possible. Or definitely slow down and be aware that if it’s after dark and we’re getting ice or blowing snow and those type of things, that our folks will not be out in the evening unless there’s an emergency-type situation.”

Miller adds, the Secondary Roads Department is responsible for over 700 miles of road in the County, which means they have to prioritize what gets cleared off first. As such, the paved County roads will always take precedence, and the gravel roads will be taken care of afterwards. To hear more from Miller, listen to today’s Perry Fareway Let’s Talk Dallas County program on air and at RaccoonValleyRadio.com.