Chicago, IL – With winter weather expected across Illinois this weekend, Illinois State Police are reminding drivers about Troop 6’s Snow Plan, a safety protocol activated when road conditions become too hazardous for normal travel. The plan, used throughout the winter season, is deployed jointly by ISP and the Illinois Department of Transportation to reduce the risk of secondary crashes during major snow events.
According to Illinois State Police, once the Snow Plan is enacted, property damage crash reports will be completed at a later date, allowing troopers to prioritize emergency response and road safety during hazardous conditions. Troopers will continue to check on stranded motorists and may offer rides to a safe location. If a driver accepts the transport, their vehicle will be tagged and added to a recovery list for removal once conditions improve.
Troopers will not remain roadside waiting for tow trucks unless a vehicle is obstructing traffic or posing a safety hazard. ISP notes that removing vehicles during dangerous winter weather can increase risk for motorists, tow operators, and first responders. During Snow Plan activation, all tow requests will cease unless needed to clear lanes and restore traffic flow.
Officials warn that attempting to tow vehicles during active snow and whiteout conditions frequently leads to secondary crashes, which strain resources and endanger responders. The Snow Plan aims to minimize these preventable incidents.
Once the Snow Plan is lifted, ISP will begin removing vehicles in a systematic order to prevent congestion and ensure safe recovery operations.
Drivers in the Troop 6 region and across Illinois are encouraged to monitor winter storm forecasts, avoid unnecessary travel during hazardous conditions, and follow ISP updates throughout the weekend.
