A shortage of certified snow plow drivers could lead to a delay in getting roads plowed this winter.
Snow plow drivers are required to have a Commercial Driver’s License, a certification which has become rare in recent years.
Representatives from the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT), Peoria County and City of Peoria say they’ll still have crews working 24 hours a day to get roads cleared during snowstorms.
IDOT said any delays in getting roads clear should not be long despite worker shortages.
Matthew Savage is a maintenance worker with the city of Peoria who drives plows in the winter. He said the city has 21 plow trucks that all go on separate routes when it snows. He said each truck usually travels about 100 miles a day.
“The biggest thing we're concerned about is just keeping traffic moving,” he said. “Everybody has somewhere to be. The big thing with public works is we deal with everybody's daily lives. We try to get them from A to B, from work to home safely. We're trying to be safe for ourselves. So, the big thing is just give us room. I know we're gonna be slow. We're doing the best we can.”
Peoria County has an additional 17 routes which cover 316 miles of county roads.
IDOT is also encouraging people driving in rural areas to be on the watch for blowing snow and drifting, as well as black ice.
Illinois State Police Master Sergeant Brett Tucker said people should keep ice scrapers, blankets and non-perishable foods in their car during the winter.
He said people should always keep a small safety kit with jumper cables, first aid kits and water, but it’s especially important in the winter.
“You should always carry a charge cell phone and a charger,” he said. “You should also have warm clothing in your vehicle. But you can always call the Illinois State Police or in an emergency you can call 911. We will send officers out to assist.”
He said people should watch their speed and increase following distance when it’s snowing to avoid crashes.
