Motorists urged to drive safely

As the snow began falling on Lamar County Friday afternoon, Lamar County public works director Bill Brown made a safety suggestion.”We’re asking that there be no unnecessary travel after dark or when the temperature is below 32 degrees. “Avoid all bridges and overpasses throughout this storm period. Ice will form quicker on them,” Brown said.Another tip is to drive slower than the speed limit so you can see and react in icy conditions. ”Lamar County and the Georgia DOT are prepared to keep the roadways safe,” said Brown. “Help us by reducing unnecessary travel.”DOT officials issued the following guidelines:Motorists are strongly encouraged to stay off the roadways and slow down, reducing driving speeds by half. Leave, at least, a ten car length distance between their vehicles and the DOT trucks clearing the roadways. Motorists are also advised to treat any traffic signal that is not working as a four-way stop, and to be aware of black ice, especially on bridges and overpasses. Georgia DOT urges travelers to call 511 for updated information about this winter weather episode and other maintenance operations and construction projects on interstates and state routes. Georgia 511 is a free phone service that provides real-time traffic and travel information statewide, such as traffic conditions, incidents, lane closures, and delays due to inclement weather. Callers also can transfer to operators to request assistance or report incidents 24 hours a day, seven days a week