Decision To Shut Down Roads, Schools Doesn’t Come Lightly: Ask The Trooper

Law enforcement and local school systems have only the safety of the public and of children in mind when making decisions to shut down roads or close down schools, according to state police spokesperson Brooks David.

School system superintendents are making these decisions with the best information they have available, David said. And when the decision is made to shut down a major roadway during a weather even, that is the result of the weighing of several factors.

"The last thing we want to do is shut down an interstate system, but when the safety of people come into play, that's an automatic decision," David said. "The minute we see that somebody's life is in danger...we're going to shut it down."

For the latest information on crashes and road closures, David said state police is extremely active on the Nixle text and email alert system. The Department of Transportation and Development also provides up-to-the-minute road closures via its website, www.511la.org.

Also discussed on Ask the Trooper:

• Use of the shoulder is reserved for emergency situations only.
• What information must you provide to the other driver in a crash?

To listen to the full segment with David, click on the 'Play' button below.