MURPHYSBORO - Lower prices have allowed Southern Illinois to stockpile 98 percent of its road salt storage capacity before the winter season hits the region.

Speaking at the Illinois Department of Transportation's Jackson County maintenance yard Thursday, Operating Engineer Keith Miley said salt prices dropped to $67 a ton from a high $94 last year, when the product was in big demand because of a shortage caused by higher-than-average usage the previous two years.

"It was simply a matter of supply and demand," Miley said.

The 16 counties of IDOT's District 9 presently have 35,000 tons of salt on hand, while maximum capacity for the region is 36,000, he said. A five-year average annual usage estimate totals 19,000 tons, leaving the region with ample surplus.

"We're in good shape," Miley said.

Trooper David Sneed, safety education officer for Illinois State Police District 13, joined Miley at Thursday's press conference to encourage drivers to prepare for safe driving strategies in the winter months.

Sneed encouraged drivers to reduce speed in adverse conditions, avoid aggressive action including acceleration and braking, leave extra distance between their vehicles and the ones in front of them, avoid sudden lane changes and wear seatbelts.

He also reminded drivers of Scott's Law, which requires drivers to reduce speed and change lanes if possible when approaching emergency vehicles, including snowplows.

"This year, the Illinois State Police will be aggressively enforcing that law," Sneed said.

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