FORESTVILLE, Md. — Prince George's County's Department of Public Works and Transportation (DPW&T) did hybrid snow and ice dry run exercises Friday morning in preparation for this winter season.
The dry run gives an opportunity for inclement weather emergency procedures to be tested before wintry weather actually arrives. During the exercise, drivers followed their assigned routes to familiarize themselves with the roads, timed their runs and identified any hazardous road conditions that still need to be addressed.
The department also conducts safety inspections of all vehicles and evaluates "operational procedures and communication systems" in order to implement improvements before bad weather arrives.
Public Information Officer Paulette Jones explained that the most consistent problem the department faces every year is neighborhood vehicles incorrectly parked. They don't all have to be on one side in particular, she emphasized, but all cars must be parked on the same side of the roadway so that plows can easily get through.
"If all those cars are not parked on the same side of the road, that actually affects the whole community and whether or not that street can be plowed," she said. "Start talking to your neighbors; start talking to members in your community to make sure those roadways are clear - especially if it is narrow - this winter season."
Winter 2020 - which was called a mild season by forecasters - saw seven snow and ice events that caused DPW&T staff to mobilize.
"This winter weather season, we will continue to work to ensure that our roadways are cleared and safe for motorists in Prince George's County, and to enhance communications with residents," the department stated in a press release.
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