VINCENNES, Ind. -- The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) urges drivers to be extremely cautious around wet paint on the road as Vincennes District crews have started applying pavement markings. It's necessary for INDOT crews to re-stripe most roadways across the district each summer due to the effects of salting and plowing during the winter, as well as normal wear and tear. An estimated 4,800 lane miles in the Vincennes District will be striped on favorable weather days now through October 2009.

INDOT uses fast-drying, water-based paint to indicate the centerlines, edge lines and other roadway markings. Because road striping is a moving operation, drivers should look for vehicle-mounted message boards with signs indicating "Caution: Wet Paint," flashing lights and very fresh-looking paint on the roadway. On some roads, striping crews will use escort vehicles ahead of and behind the striping truck. Drivers should use extreme caution and patience when they encounter a striping crew. When possible, the striping crew will move off the roadway and allow vehicles behind the striping operation to pass.

By using common sense around striping crews, drivers can avoid getting fresh white or yellow paint on their vehicles. When a driver encounters a road striping crew, he or she should use a generous following distance, avoid driving over the newly painted markings and never recklessly pull in front of or pass a striping operation. If drivers do get paint on their vehicles, they should attempt to wash the paint off as quickly as possible. Fresh paint will often come off easily with soap and water. However, after it dries only a specialist can remove it.

INDOT reminds motorists to use caution and consider worker safety when driving through work zones. For the latest news and information about INDOT, please visit www.in.gov/indot.

-- 30 --

« Back to News Release List

Link to this event: