AUGUSTA – The Maine Department of Transportation will begin another winter of snow removal and ice control on some 3,800 miles of Maine highways. Marc Guimont, director of maintenance and operations for MDOT, points out that there are a number of things the public can do to assist the department in its winter operations:

. Don’t drive unnecessarily in a storm, especially during severe snowstorms and freezing rains. Snow and ice control trucks do a better job with less traffic on the road.

. If a storm is anticipated, remove vehicles from roadside shoulders. This allows plows to clear the area the first time through without having to return to clean it up later. It also reduces the chance of damage to personal vehicles.

. Help reduce the possibility of a broken mailbox post. MDOT plow operators try to avoid mailbox posts, but during a storm, reduced visibility may mean a driver cannot always see a post in time to avoid striking it with the wing of the plow. Any installation within the highway right of way, including a mailbox, is placed there at the owner’s risk. Posts should also be checked for deterioration or rot to reduce the possibility they will be broken off simply from the weight of plowed snow.

. If possible, wait until the roadway has been plowed before cleaning out the end of your driveway. There is no practical way for MDOT to plow the roadway without depositing snow onto the end of driveways.

. Don’t shovel, blow snow, or plow your driveway and put this snow onto the road. It violates state law and creates a serious traffic hazard. If possible, put the shoveled, blown or plowed snow on the side of the driveway that will be opposite the direction from which the roadway plow will come. That way, the plow will carry snow away from your drive, and not back onto it.

. Be sure vehicles are properly equipped for winter driving.

. Avoid calling MDOT offices during a bad storm unless absolutely necessary. MDOT personnel will be extremely busy doing everything possible to cope with storm situations. It is better to keep telephone lines clear for emergency calls. For road conditions, the public can call 287-3427 for a recorded condition report.

. Don’t be misled by plow trucks riding with their plows up. They may be going in for fuel or repairs, or headed for another area. MDOT is not responsible for plowing all highways in the state, only the so-called state highways outside major urban areas. Local governments are responsible for plowing other roads and highways.

. Take complaints about non-state highways directly to local officials. They can deal with them more efficiently.

. Use caution when approaching snowplows from the rear, especially on interstate highways. Wind or air currents from the snowplow or other vehicles can result in swirling snow, severely restricting visibility. Be alert for flashing snowplow warning lights and remember that on divided highways, snowplows may be in the left-hand lane. Carefully determine the exact location of the snowplow before attempting to pass, and then do so only with extreme caution if conditions allow you safely pass.