There are no comprehensive data to document the number of lives saved through the efforts of public works and highway agencies, yet, lives are saved and you may have saved one of them.

The findings of one quality study are displayed below. There is no doubt about the benefits of deicing. Even calculating all the known costs of deicing such as vehicle and bridge corrosion and environmental concerns, the benefits of using deicing salt are more than 18 times the cost of providing this essential public safety service. [Summary of research – Marquette Study]

Make public awareness part of program. Drivers are your customers and they can be very demanding. Welcome their demand for your services in keeping them safely on the road.

Publicize snow emergency procedures and regulations. Keep broadcasters and newspapers periodically informed of snow clearing progress and specific problem areas. This way, motorists will know on which routes they will be able to travel with the least difficulty. Advance publicity on snow clearing priorities will reduce time-consuming calls from people demanding to know when their streets or roads will be cleared. Some agencies have winter maintenance "hotlines" for citizens to call and report unplowed roadways after the storm has passed.

Share information with the public. Before storms arrive, pass on information about approaching snow in time for schools, industry and government agencies to decide whether or not to remain open or to close early. Some agencies use automated telephone lines, radio, cable TV, variable message signs and Internet websites.

Make contact with other agencies. Long before winter, meet with representatives of other public agencies to discuss means of cooperating in snow and ice removal. Take the initiative to let others know of your plans and to enlist their cooperation.