E-mail from Indiana Senator Tom Wyss:
Wyss: Governor signs uniform travel alert system bill into law
(April 25, 2011) – To help warn Hoosier motorists of dangerous road conditions during severe weather, Indiana’s 92 counties will soon implement a uniform emergency alert system, thanks to State Sen. Tom Wyss (R-Fort Wayne).
Gov. Mitch Daniels recently signed into law Wyss’ proposal, which will take effect July 1.
Currently, counties develop and operate their own travel advisory systems which Wyss said has led to confusion among Hoosiers and emergency personnel traveling across county lines.
“This new law will help motorists more easily determine whether or not to travel during severe weather conditions,” said Wyss, chair of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security,Transportation and Veteran Affairs. “Having standard travel alert codes will also help state emergency personnel understand road conditions in each county, so that resources can be coordinated more effectively.”
Wyss said his proposal places key terms describing local travel advisories – already established and recommended by the Department of Homeland Security – in Indiana Code:
[list type=”black”]
[li]”Advisory” or routine travel may be restricted in areas;[/li]
[li]”Watch” or conditions are threatening to public safety and only essential travel – like driving to and from work – is recommended; and[/li]
[li]”Warning” – the highest advisory level – meaning travel is restricted to emergency personnel only.[/li]
[/list]“It is our hope media outlets will also be able to decipher these new advisories more quickly and accurately in order to help inform Hoosiers of hazardous driving conditions across the state,” Wyss said.
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