NMDOT Winter Weather Driving Tips

As the winter storm season approaches, the New Mexico Department of Transportation (NMDOT) would like to encourage motorists to prepare for safe winter travel.

Winter weather driving tips:

• REDUCE YOUR SPEED
  The best accident prevention on snow and ice is to SLOW DOWN and leave plenty of room between you and the vehicle in front of you for emergencies.
  
  
• PRACTICE GOOD WINTER DRIVING TECHNIQUES
  Keep your gas tank full, turn on your head lights, keep your windshield washer fluid full with antifreeze, keep winter driving chains in your vehicle, have a winter survival kit which includes - flashlight, hand warmer packets, first aid supplies, high energy snacks and read your owners manual for special instructions on driving 4-wheel drive vehicles and vehicles with ABS on snow and ice.
  
  
• AVOID DRIVING INTO A SNOW CLOUD
  Large vehicles, such as semi-trailer trucks and snow plows, may produce dense clouds of blowing snow that make it difficult for drivers to see. When drivers encounter snow clouds, they should stay back to avoid the cloud.
  
  
• PLAN AHEAD AND BE PATIENT
  Delays are common during bad weather. Leave a little early and be patient with delays.
  
  
• CHECK BEFORE YOU PASS
  Know where a snow plow and blade are before trying to pass. On multi-lane highways, the plow can be in your blind spot. Before attempting to pass make sure it is safe.
  
  
• PAY ATTENTION TO WEATHER FORCASTS - TRUST THEM
  Winter storms in New Mexico can become severe very quickly, so stay tuned to weather forecasts when planning your trip.
  
  
• DON'T USE CRUISE CONTROL
  Never use cruise control when the roads are in slippery conditions. Using your cruise control can reduce your control of the vehicle if your tires begin to skid or slip.
  
  
• KNOW YOUR CURRENT ROAD CONDITIONS
  Visit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at www.nmshtd.state.nm.us, www.nmroads.com, or call 1(800) 432-4269.
  
  
• WEAR YOUR SEATBELT
  Wear your seatbelt and make sure all passengers also "buckle up".
  
  

The NMDOT will work hard to keep roads open to help motorists reach their destinations safely and efficiently during the winter season. NMDOT roadway maintenance crews are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week, providing traffic control, detours, and clean-up at major incidents if necessary.

This message is brought to you by the New Mexico Department of Transportation. Visit the NMDOT website for current road advisory information at www.nmshtd.state.nm.us, www.nmroads.com, or call (800) 432-4269.