New Warning System a Success

With the first of the winter weather out of the way, the Muskingum County Engineer’s Office says the transition from the old level one/two/three snow emergencies to a green/yellow/red system has gone over quite well.

Muskingum County Engineer Doug Davis says the new system is simple and asks drivers to use common sense.

"Use judgement," said Davis. "We’re putting this back–this is a common sense thing. We have green, yellow and red. I’m just asking the traveling public to think about things and use common sense."

Davis says the system isn’t meant to tell people what to do, but to educate them on the current road conditions and what they can expect.

"We’re not telling people to stay home," he said. "If you need to go to work and your employer wants you there, go. We’ve talked to the sheriff. he  won’t write you a ticket if you slide into a ditch, but if you have to run out to get a non-necessary item, you might get a ticket if you’re out there."

Just as a reminder to drivers who will be out and about this winter season …

-A code green snow emergency means roadway conditions are under advisory, so use caution. Public safety crews are beginning to work on roadways.

-A code yellow means roadway conditions are declining, so use judgement on necessary travel. Safety crews are on the roadways.

-A code red means roadways have severely worsened. It is recommended only emergency and safety crews be on the roadways.