SPRINGFIELD - Despite high prices and possible shortages of salt in some areas of the state, Illinois transportation officials say they won't skimp when it comes to keeping roads clear this winter.

Two days after six people died in traffic accidents following the state's first major snowfall, Illinois Department of Transportation spokeswoman Paris Ervin said treatment procedures were similar to past years.

"The districts' response to this first storm of the year was similar to past responses," Ervin said.

The dropping temperatures and blowing snow early Monday morning led to numerous accidents statewide, but especially on the east-west roads, she said.

She said the state's salt woes, which have pinched the budgets of state, city and county transportation departments, wasn't a factor in the accidents.

"We continue to do everything in our power to make sure Illinois roads are clear and passable for motorists," Ervin said in an e-mail Wednesday. "The public's safety is our number one priority and under no circumstance will we compromise safety."

In the central part of the state, 125 plows tackled snow and ice that fell earlier in the week. That's comparable to the number sent out in past years.

"We will not cut back on the number of snow plows that will be deployed during the winter months," Ervin said. " We will send out what's necessary… as each storm is different."

Some communities have seen the price of salt jump as high as $170 a ton because of shipping problems and surging demand. In order to make sure supplies last through the winter, some are mixing salt with sand, brine and other materials.

IDOT is paying far more for salt than it did last year and entered the snow and ice season with slightly more than what it used last winter.

Ervin said it usually takes a few snow storms for the motoring public to adjust to inclement weather.

"We ask that if motorists have to drive in winter weather to do so with extreme caution and remember to take it slow," Ervin said.

Beth Mosher, spokeswoman for the AAA-Chicago Motor Club, said the organization had not heard any speculation that cities, counties or other governments are cutting back on salt use at this stage of the winter driving season.

In any case, Mosher said motorists should slow down when snow is in the air in order to avoid wrecks.

"People have sort of an invincible attitude out there on the road. We've seen this year after year after year," Mosher said.