Winter Driving Tips from WYDOT
Preparing for winter driving safety
November 28, 2005
The Wyoming Department of Transportation (WYDOT) offers current information on winter road conditions, as well as tips for winter driving in Wyoming.
WYDOT encourages drivers to be patient, alert and on the watch for ever-changing road conditions, weather conditions and other drivers. "The one aspect that could solve a lot of the problems out there is to slow down," said Public Involvement Specialist Laura Grossnickle. "By traveling slower, drivers have more time to react to changing road conditions or another vehicle that's out of control."
Officials encourage drivers to have an emergency kit in their vehicle. Important survival items to include are food, water, blankets, flashlight, shovel and sand. Always make sure the vehicle is in good condition, the tire pressure is properly inflated, and brakes are working properly. Keep the fuel tank full so if stranded, the vehicle can still be a source of heat. Make sure windshield wipers are in good condition and that there is plenty of windshield wiper fluid.
"Let someone know your travel plans such as the route you're taking and call that person when you reach your destination," said Grossnickle. "This little step can help emergency response personnel locate you if you were to get stranded."
Watch for snow plows performing maintenance on county roads and highways. Every winter snow plows get hit by other motorists. Motorists need to remember plows travel between 25 and 35 mph when plowing. Therefore, plows tend to come up on drivers fast. If you come up on a snow plow, slow down and give the driver plenty of room.
To get the most up-to-date information about highway conditions, call the WYDOT hotline at 1-888-WYO-ROAD or visit their web site for current conditions at http://wyoroad.info. Drivers can also get local extended weather reports from the National Weather Service at www.weather.gov.
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