Everyone should be cautious about traveling in extreme winter weather. Cold, snow and ice are demanding on cars, drivers and passengers. Most importantly, extreme winter weather can threaten your life.

Fact Sheet: Winter Survival In Your Car

Fact Sheet: Winter Driving and Survival Tips

Winter Survival Kits for Your Vehicle

A cell phone is a valuable tool for drivers who witness, or are involved in, emergency situations. Cell phone users on the road must provide dispatchers with specific information about the emergency.

Cellular 911 calls are routed to public safety answering points operated by state or local agencies. Although newer cell phones now provide approximate location or have GPS and callback numbers when 911 is dialed, an exact location may need to be provided by the caller.

Fact Sheet:  Dialing 911 on a Cellphone

511 Information System

The 511 Phone Information System provides road safety information 24 hours per day. Landline and cell phone users can call 511 for regional and statewide reports on traffic congestion, road and weather conditions, construction work and other obstacles.

The 511 Web site features both a dial-up/static site and a high-speed Internet/Google map site with real-time updates. You may also sign up for the Metro Twitter account, which will alert you to any incidents within the Metro area. There is now also a 3G/smart phone site with the same information as the full featured site.

Instructions:  511 phone and web instructions

Fact Sheet:    511 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Snowplow Safety

The Minnesota Department of Transportation’s snowplow fleet will be out in force keeping our roadways safe again this winter. Driving too close to snow removal equipment can be extremely dangerous.

Fact Sheet:  Snowplow Safety